What is Syncope?

Syncope is an abrupt and temporary loss of consciousness associated with a loss of body muscle tone. It is often a result of a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain or lack of oxygen delivery to the brain. Syncope is also known as fainting or a blackout. It is then followed by complete and usually rapid spontaneous recovery.

Understanding heart rate and blood pressure changes

Your brain and body need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood. Your heart rate and blood pressure adjust to maintain this steady supply throughout all your activities.

• The heart creates electrical signals that travel through it on pathways. These signals set the heart rate, and tell the heart when to pump blood.

• In response to your body’s needs, your brain may also trigger changes in your heart rate and blood pressure.

• There are sensors in the body that detect the amount of blood flow going to the brain and other parts of the body. If these sensors detect low blood flow, they signal the body to increase the amount of fluid in the blood vessels and increase the heart rate to provide more circulation.

• The blood leaving the heart with each contraction supplies oxygen and nutrients as it circulates in your brain.

Warning signs

Syncope often happens suddenly. Some warning signs, including dimmed, blackened, or tunnel vision, lightheadedness, sleepiness, or a rapid heartbeat. Some people may feel nauseous or sweaty as well. However, you may have no warning signs at all. After syncope, you recover quickly, but you may feel tired. Do not drive if you are having warning signs that you may faint.

Is it serious?

Syncope is a common problem with many possible causes. Often these causes are not serious. For instance, syncope can be caused by standing for too long or sitting up too fast. In some cases, you may never faint again. However, syncope in the setting of heart abnormalities can be a warning sign of more serious underlying problems. For this reason, your healthcare provider may order several tests to evaluate heart function and rhythm. If you have had syncope, call your healthcare provider to arrange an evaluation.

In older adults, syncope may be a sign that a heart attack has happened. Do not delay seeking treatment. Even if the cause of syncope is not serious, there is a risk of injury with falling during loss of consciousness. When possible, finding a cause can improve your safety and reduce risk of injury.  

Note about concussion

If you had an injury to the head, it is possible that you could have a concussion (mild brain injury). Symptoms of a concussion can show up later. For this reason, be alert for symptoms of concussion once you’re home.
Seek emergency medical care if you have any of the symptoms below over the next hours to days:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Unusual sleepiness or grogginess
• Trouble falling asleep
• Personality changes
• Vision changes
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Trouble walking or clumsiness
• Loss of consciousness (even for a short time)
• Inability to be awakened

During the time period that you’re watching for concussion symptoms:

• Don’t drink alcohol or use sedatives or medicines that make you sleepy.
• Don’t drive or operate machinery.
• Don’t do anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting or straining.
• Limit tasks that require concentration. This includes reading, watching TV, using a smartphone or computer, and playing video games.
• Don’t return to sports, exercise, or other activity that could result in another injury.

Ask your healthcare provider when you can safely resume these activities.

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.