For Patients
Syncope
Syncope (SIN'ko-pe) is temporary loss of consciousness – basically fainting or passing out – resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain (usually also temporary.) Insufficient blood supply is usually the result of low blood pressure (hypotension) leading to the heart not pumping enough oxygen to the brain.
A significant number of U.S. adults will experience at least one episode of syncope at some point during their lifetime -- almost 20% will have at least one incident the age of 75.
What causes syncope?
Simply put, when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and the person can faint or at least feel very light-headed.
Syncope can be caused by emotional stress, pain, draining of the blood to the legs because of sudden changes in body position, overheating, dehydration, heavy sweating or exhaustion. It can also occur due to violent coughing spells (especially in men) which causes rapid changes in blood pressure. It also may result from several heart, neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic and lung disorders – or even as a side effect of some medicines.
What is neurally mediated syncope?
Basically, this is the medical term for the most frequent cause of fainting. Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is called also neurocardiogenic, vasovagal, vasodepressor or reflex mediated syncope. This is usually non-life threatening.
It is possible, however, for dangerous conditions to also cause syncope. Typical NMS occurs while standing and is often preceded by a sensation of warmth, nausea, lightheadedness and diminished vision (gray-out.) If the condition is prolonged, it can trigger a seizure.
NMS happens most frequently to children and young adults, but can occur at any age. NMS is a direct result of hypotension (blood pressure drop) with reduced oxygen circulation to the brain causing loss of consciousness.
Normal measures – namely putting the affected person in a reclining position – usually restores normal blood flow and consciousness and end the seizure.
