Syncope:

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. It is commonly known as fainting or passing out. During a syncope episode, an individual may experience a sudden and brief loss of consciousness, followed by a spontaneous recovery.

Causes:

There are numerous potential causes of syncope, which can include:

• Orthostatic hypotension: a drop in blood pressure upon standing up suddenly
• Vasovagal syncope: a result of intense emotional distress or fear
• Cardiac arrhythmias: irregular heart rhythms affecting blood flow
• Neurological conditions: such as seizures or migraines
• Dehydration or heat exhaustion
• Side effects of medications

Symptoms:

Common symptoms experienced during a syncope episode may include:

• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Pale skin
• Yawning or feeling nauseous
• Loss of consciousness

Treatment:

The treatment for syncope largely depends on its underlying cause. In cases where it is uncontrollable or poses a significant risk, various interventions may be recommended, including:

• Medications: to manage conditions contributing to syncope
• Lifestyle changes: such as avoiding triggers and staying hydrated
• Cardiac procedures: like pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation
• Surgery: for certain structural heart defects causing syncope

Prevention:

To help prevent syncope episodes, individuals can consider the following measures:

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
• Avoid sudden changes in posture
• Identify and manage triggers, such as stress or anxiety
• Take medications as prescribed and report any side effects to a healthcare professional
• Wear compression stockings if prone to orthostatic hypotension