Fainting causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Fainting (an outdated medical name is syncope) is a condition characterized by loss of consciousness and a drop in blood pressure. Metabolism slows down, sudden weakness and confusion occur. Fainting can last from a few seconds to tens of minutes.

In most cases, fainting is caused by a sudden decrease in metabolism in the brain, cerebral circulation is disrupted, and the brain stops receiving enough oxygen. Despite the fact that the brain does not function at full capacity, basic vital functions are reduced, but do not disappear completely. The patient is breathing, the heart is working.

Loss of consciousness can be caused by a variety of diseases. Sometimes fainting occurs due to a coincidence of circumstances - fatigue, stuffiness, prolonged fasting.

Before fainting, there is always a pre-fainting state, which can also last from a few seconds to several minutes. In some cases, it is enough for the patient to sit or lie down and relax the collar to avoid fainting.

Presyncope is characterized by the following symptoms:

• pulsation in temples;
• difficulty breathing - a subjective feeling of lack of oxygen;
• increased sweating;
• feeling of heat throughout the body;
• nausea, dizziness;
• tachycardia, feeling of rapid heartbeat;
• the appearance of dark spots before the eyes.

If the patient fails to sit down, he faints. In most cases, patients quickly come to their senses without outside help (although this does not mean that it does not need to be provided). Sometimes after fainting, other unpleasant symptoms are observed, for example, trembling and involuntary twitching of the limbs, the urge to urinate.

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Causes of fainting

There are several physiological reasons that can lead to short-term loss of consciousness. Let's look at some of them.

1. Disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for vascular tone. If there is a malfunction, it cannot correctly give commands to the vessels, they contract sharply, and loss of consciousness occurs. This is the main cause of neurogenic fainting - the most common fainting.
2. Diseases of the cardiovascular system. They are the cause of the so-called. cardiogenic syncope. The heart does not work well enough, the blood vessels narrow, which leads to brain hypoxia.
3. Atherosclerosis and vascular diseases. This also includes ischemic attacks and strokes.
4. Increased intracranial pressure. It occurs as a consequence of certain diseases - a tumor, congenital hydrocephalus, or against the background of cerebral hemorrhage, as well as after head injuries.
5. Decreased blood glucose, decreased oxygen concentration in tissues. Such conditions occur with diabetes, anemia, kidney and liver failure.
6. As a result of a decrease in the volume of fluid circulating in the body. May be the result of bleeding, diarrhea, or other excess fluid loss.
7. Poisoning by toxins: carbon monoxide, ethyl alcohol and others.
8. As a result of various psychological and psychiatric diseases. For example, with neuroses and anxiety, a common symptom is hyperventilation. The body tries to control the oxygen content, which leads to vascular spasm. In such cases, patients need to learn breathing techniques.

There are other reasons: infectious diseases, traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy attacks. In each individual case, it is necessary to undergo an examination to find out why fainting occurs.

If this is an isolated case, and there were no pathologies during medical examinations before, there is no need to worry. But if fainting recurs, you need to visit a neurologist.

First signs

The following are signs that precede syncope:

• causeless anxiety, weakness, incessant yawning, heavy breathing;
• pale skin, sweating;
• headaches that bring a pressing or squeezing sensation, noise in the ears (ringing in the ears may be present), dizziness, hearing problems, suffocation;
• adrenaline rush, accompanied by heat at the end of the fingers;
• darkening before the eyes;
• tonic convulsions;
• a sharp increase or decrease in pressure, heart rate increases;
• nausea, vomiting, sour taste in the mouth.

Fainting is characterized by the presence of the following manifestations:

• the muscles are relaxed and the body is motionless;
• breathing slows down;
• blood pressure decreases;
• in case of deep fainting, the occurrence of convulsions and incontinence cannot be excluded;
• Pupils dilate, in the presence of serious pathologies, there is no reaction to light.

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Frequency of epileptic seizures

The frequency of attacks can vary from once every 2-3 months to single or multiple daily. A seizure can be triggered by sleep disturbances, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, long stays in a stuffy room, sudden flashes of light, etc. At the moment, the specific factor influencing the increase in the frequency of seizures is not yet known.

Expert opinion

Author: Daria Olegovna Gromova

Neurologist

Epilepsy has been considered one of the most dangerous and common diseases for many years. According to WHO statistics, 4-10 people per 1000 population suffer from seizures. Doctors note an annual increase in cases of onset of epilepsy. Thanks to numerous clinical studies, it has been proven that the disease is registered 2-3 times more often in countries with low and medium levels of development. This is due to the presence of a greater number of provoking factors, such as infections and a high level of injuries. According to statistics, 80% of patients with epilepsy live in such conditions.

The exact causes of seizures are still unknown. Doctors distinguish several types of seizures, as well as the factors that cause them. When selecting therapy, neurologists and epileptologists at the Yusupov Hospital take into account all the data. If you follow the rules of prevention and take anticonvulsants, about 70% of patients can live for a long time without seizures. An individual epilepsy treatment plan is developed for each patient at the Yusupov Hospital. The drugs used meet European quality and safety standards. In addition, patients are provided with personalized preventive recommendations that minimize the risk of epilepsy relapse.

Types of fainting

The classification of fainting is based on the causes of loss of consciousness. There are three main types of fainting:

• neurogenic;
• cardiogenic;
• hyperventilation.

Among neurogenic syncope, in turn, a distinction is made between vasodepressor and orthostatic. The first ones are the most common, usually occurring in fairly young patients in stuffy conditions, stress, fatigue, or lack of nutrients.

Orthostatic fainting occurs when there is a sudden change in body position (usually during a sudden rise or standing). It may also be caused by taking certain medications.

Cardiogenic loss of consciousness occurs when the heart rhythm is abnormal and can accompany a heart attack. Cardiogenic syncope accounts for up to a quarter of all cases of loss of consciousness, especially among the elderly population.

Hyperventilatory syncope occurs due to rapid breathing. This symptom is characteristic of panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Sometimes this condition is called a vegetative crisis.

Consequences

The most common consequences of hungry fainting include injury from a fall. The head, arms or legs may be affected. The most dangerous is a concussion.

Frequent repetition of fainting conditions threatens with progressive arachnoiditis, when the arachnoid membrane of the brain becomes inflamed. Symptoms include severe pain in the head and various memory disorders.

If the necessary nutrients do not enter the body for a long time, the nutrition of the brain is disrupted! This may cause:

• reduction or complete loss of the ability to memorize, retain and reproduce information;
• frequent mood swings, changes in emotional background;
• lack of concentration;
• decreased ability to work, and in some cases its complete loss;
• constant headaches.

Clinical picture

Fainting is characterized by rapid development. Loss of consciousness occurs rapidly. Sometimes patients don’t even have time to realize that something is wrong. In other cases, typical symptoms of presyncope are observed.

Fainting is characterized by the following clinical manifestations:

• lack of consciousness;
• weak pulse;
• decreased breathing rate (bradypnea);
• lack of pupillary reaction to light;
• the patient comes to his senses within 1-5 minutes (if fainting lasts longer, this is serious);
• after fainting, pallor and weakness persist;
• for some time afterward, low blood pressure is observed;
• Dizziness and nausea may occur.

In most cases, syncope occurs when the patient is in an upright position. If the patient loses consciousness while lying down, then it is necessary to suspect a serious somatic pathology.

Symptom treatment

General and biochemical tests, ECG, EEG are performed as diagnostics. For patients with syncope, differential diagnosis is required.

In some cases, no specific treatment is required. Otherwise, the doctor selects therapy depending on the primary ailment that caused the loss of consciousness.

Symptom during pregnancy

Pregnant women can also lose consciousness, which is considered a common occurrence. This is due to the fact that the blood flow in their body is completely redistributed. By the way, loss of consciousness is considered one of the very first symptoms of pregnancy. The situation is aggravated by emotional instability, hormonal changes, heat outside and at home. This provokes a decrease in blood pressure, which leads to fainting.

Treatment at home

Treatment depends on the causes of fainting, that is, the diseases that cause it. At home, you must strictly follow all doctor's recommendations. It is recommended to remain in bed, perform therapeutic exercises, and take vitamin and mineral complexes to strengthen the body.

Diagnostic measures

MRI of the brain

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More details

Diagnosis begins with an initial appointment with a neurologist. First, the doctor will try to find out in what circumstances, under the influence of what provoking factors, loss of consciousness develops. To establish a final diagnosis, you will need to undergo a series of instrumental examinations.

Thus, if cardiogenic fainting is suspected, the patient is referred for an ECG, echocardiography, and also for consultation with a cardiologist. If epilepsy is suspected, an electroencephalogram is performed. It is also common to take a blood sample to check blood sugar levels to rule out hypoglycemia. If anemia is suspected, it is necessary to conduct a blood test for hemoglobin content. If there is a possibility of neurological or organic diseases of the brain, then MRI and/or vascular examination are prescribed.

Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis; it is enough to undergo an examination and receive treatment prescriptions.

Diagnostics

The initial examination consists of listening to the patient’s complaints about the frequency and duration of fainting states, and determining the conditions under which loss of consciousness occurs. A neurological examination is performed.

The patient must be sent for laboratory blood tests.

Among instrumental studies, the most effective are:

• various types of ECG;
• echocardiography;
• computer sphygmomanometry;
• cardiac rhythmography;
• 24-hour blood pressure monitoring;
• duplex scanning of blood vessels.

These are the most modern diagnostic methods that identify the objective cause of fainting and allow you to prescribe optimal treatment.

First aid for fainting

It is important to know how to provide first aid if you lose consciousness.

• The patient must be placed on his back with the lower extremities elevated.
• Unbutton your collar, loosen your tie, remove your scarf, and provide fresh air.
• To speed up the return to consciousness, you can sprinkle the patient with cold water. For the same purposes, it is recommended to use ammonia.

If the patient does not come to within 2-3 minutes, you must call an ambulance. With prolonged fainting, even after returning to consciousness, the patient may experience some dysfunction.

Fainting should be treated by qualified professionals. Neurologists at the CELT clinic are ready to carry out all the necessary diagnostics and prescribe the most effective treatment. Modern equipment and highly qualified doctors are the key to patient health.

Make an appointment through the application or by calling +7 +7 We work every day:

• Monday—Friday: 8.00—20.00
• Saturday: 8.00–18.00
• Sunday is a day off

The nearest metro and MCC stations to the clinic:

• Highway of Enthusiasts or Perovo
• Partisan
• Enthusiast Highway

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Prevention

Knowing what to do if you faint, you also need to take preventive measures:

• eat rationally (it is better to consult your doctor about your individual diet);
• Moderate physical activity must be present;
• walk at least 2 hours a day;
• Women during pregnancy should regularly visit a gynecologist;
• eliminate extreme loads and overheating;
• Among medications, the doctor may prescribe nootropics, venotonics, adaptogens, and vitamins.

Pediatric epilepsy

Epilepsy in children is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Tonic-clonic seizures;
• Absences (minor seizures);
• Myoclonic convulsions with and without disturbance of consciousness.

This condition occurs due to the immaturity of the child’s brain, when processes of excitation, burdened heredity or organic brain damage predominate. Initially, warning signs of a seizure occur: headache, irritability, and a feeling of fear. In the generalized form of the disease, the child groans, screams and loses consciousness. All his muscles tense, his jaw clenches, breathing stops, his pupils dilate, his face becomes cyanotic.

The child's legs stretch and his arms bend at the elbows. After the completion of the tonic phase of the seizure, clonic convulsions occur. The child's breathing becomes noisy and foam comes out of the mouth. He bites his tongue. Involuntary urination and defecation occur. Minor seizures do not last long.

Absence epilepsy

This is idiopathic generalized epilepsy that occurs in preschool children. Characteristic symptoms: short-term loss of consciousness during the daytime, less often at night. This does not affect neurological status or intelligence in any way.

The attack begins suddenly, the child seems to freeze and does not react to any stimuli, his gaze is directed to the side. This condition lasts no longer than 15 seconds and is rare in isolated form. More often it is supplemented by throwing the head back, rolling the eyes, and possibly repeating some actions: stroking hands, licking lips, repeating words or sounds. The child does not remember what he did.

If severe fatigue, drowsiness are added to the symptoms, and the attack lasts for a long time, then this indicates an unfavorable course of the disease.

Epilepsy of newborns

Up to one year, a baby may experience the following types of epilepsy seizures: small, large and nocturnal. During a minor attack, the child throws back his head and freezes in one position. His gaze is directed to one point. The baby does not respond to stroking and sound and rolls his eyes. His body temperature may rise.

A major seizure of epilepsy is manifested by the fact that the child stretches out, bends his legs and assumes a fetal position. Convulsions, loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest occur.

During a night attack, the baby suddenly awakens and screams. His face changes. After an attack, the child cannot fall asleep for a long time. Children suffering from epilepsy may lag behind their peers in development, their memory is impaired, and mental health problems occur.