Fainting
Definition:
Fainting, which is also called syncope, can be related to many different things. More than one thing may be the cause of fainting.
Fainting can happen when not enough oxygen flows through your blood and into your brain. You lose consciousness, or "pass out," for a very brief time -- just a few seconds or minutes.
Types of Fainting
- Postural Fainting
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- Getting up suddenly from a seated position or standing still for an extended time are the conditions most likely to lead to postural fainting.
- Emotional Stress
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- In response to a physical or emotional trigger, the brain emits signals that cause blood vessels to dilate and causes blood to pool in the legs. The heart rate also slows. Subsequently, the brain does not receive enough oxygen-carrying blood, leading to fainting
- Cardiac Origin
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- May occur with the patient in any position due to changes in the output and function of the heart. Some cardiac syncope episodes occur simultaneously with laughter, violent coughing, buttoning a tight collar or other actions which place abnormal pressure on the carotid arteries.
Signs and Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Blurred vision, seeing spots
- Headache
- Sensation that the room is moving
- Ringing in the ears (see tinnitus)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Paleness
- Tingling or numbness of hands and face
- Bluish cast to the skin
- Shortness of breath
- Incontinence
Management
Treat patient in a recumbent position to aid cerebral perfusion, Loosen tight clothing, Elevate leg to aid venous return, try to keep patient in the recumbent position and treat as a stretcher case, attach to an ECG monitor, continually monitor vital signs.
ASHICE (Consider)
Transport to Hospital
Professional Handover