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$Title{What Causes Frequent Fainting Spells?}
$Subject{faint fainting syncope evaluation Ill Defined Symptoms symptom loss
consciousness heart abnormalities hunger overcrowded fatigue stress pain
coughing spasm urination defecation alcohol usage weakness sweating nausea
Dizziness blurred vision brain}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes Frequent Fainting Spells?


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QUESTION:  Just 58 years young, I consider myself to be in good health except
that I am plagued by frequent fainting spells.  Can you explain the possible
causes and advise me what I might do about this?

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ANSWER:  Fainting is a common, seemingly mysterious, problem.  Despite its
frequency, it is never something to be lightly shrugged off.
     Temporary loss of consciousness (syncope) occurs in perhaps 47% of
presumably healthy adults.  Syncope can usually be divided into three basic
categories--about 25% are due to heart abnormalities; another 25% are caused
by conditions other than cardiac disease; and approximately 50% are of unknown
origin.
     I presume your doctor has performed all tests to determine that you do
not have a heart disease.  With that cause eliminated, he or she probably will
explore other possible reasons for your fainting.  It could be caused by
hunger, overcrowded living areas, fatigue, stress, or certain types of pain.
     For complete diagnosis, your physician needs a history of what occurs
before and during your fainting.  Knowing how long the "spell" lasts also is
necessary information.  You should keep a diary of events which preceded a
fainting spell, including how intense any symptoms or feelings were and their
duration.  Record if you fainted immediately following a change in your body
position, or a hard coughing spasm, urination or defecation, or heavy alcohol
usage.
     Sometimes weakness, sweating, and nausea precede fainting attacks.
Dizziness, blurred vision or a rapid fall in blood pressure can result from
standing in one position too long.  Getting up suddenly may result in
fainting.  Also, because of some prescription or over-the-counter drugs you
may be using, your pulse rate could be severely reduced, which can cause
syncope.  In any case, fainting presents a real diagnostic challenge to
doctors, and providing all this information will help pinpoint the causes, the
important first step to correcting the situation.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.