fainting
a temporary and brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in the blood supply to the brain. It can occur in perfectly healthy people, brought about by prolonged standing or emotional shock. It may also result from an infection or severe pain or loss of blood through injury and may occur during pregnancy. Fainting is often preceded by giddiness, blurred vision, sweating and ringing in the ears. Recovery is usually complete, producing no lasting ill-effects, although this depends upon the underlying cause.
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. If you're about to faint, you'll feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous. Your field of vision may "white out" or "black out." Your skin may be cold and clammy. You lose muscle control at the same time, and may fall down.
Fainting usually happens when your blood pressure drops suddenly, causing a decrease in blood flow to your brain. It is more common in older people. Some causes of fainting include:
- Heat or dehydration
- Emotional distress
- Standing up too quickly
- Certain medicines
- Drop in blood sugar
- Heart problems
When someone faints, make sure that the airway is clear and check for breathing. The person should stay lying down for 10-15 minutes. Most people recover completely. Fainting is usually nothing to worry about, but it can sometimes be a sign of a serious problem. If you faint, it's important to see your health care provider and find out why it happened.
fainting