Introduction
Fainting refers to an episode of loss of consciousness which usually last for a few seconds to a few minutes. Fainting is a neurological emergency as it can be caused by heart disorders (especially abnormal heart rhythm and heart attack) and Seizure, which can be life-threatening. As such, all patients who have fainting must immediately consult the Neurologist.
What are the causes of fainting?
Brain Disorders
The most likely possibility is Seizure, which is caused by abnormal brain cells activity. Seizure is characterized jerky movement of limbs, up rolling of eyeballs, tongue biting and urine incontinence (loss of ability to control the urination resulting in wetting the pants). Seizure is life-threatening because it can cause difficulty in breathing and heart to stop beating.
Even though the cause of Seizure is mostly unknown, it can be due to brain cancer, Stroke and Meningo-encephalitis (Infection of the brain), which are all life-threatening condition.
Heart Disorders
Abnormal heart rhythm results in ineffective pumping of blood to the brain, depriving the brain cells of oxygen, and leading to dizziness. In severe cases, patients have loss of consciousness and fainting attacks. Occasionally heart attack can present as fainting.
Low Blood Pressure
When patients have low blood pressure, there is reduction in blood flow to the brain, leading to inadequate amount of oxygen in the brain. Consequently, patients have dizziness and fainting attacks.
There underlying causes of low blood pressure are as follow:
- Dehydration – insufficient amount of water in the body due to vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive dose of high blood pressure medications
- Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, which can cause drop in blood pressure.
- Hormonal deficiency.
Blood Disorders
Fainting can be caused by Anemia (inadequate amount blood in the body) and low or high glucose level.
Emotional Disorders
These refer to Anxiety (excessive worrying and thinking), Depression (feeling low or sad) and work-related stress. Emotional disorders can cause reduction of blood flow to the brain, resulting in fainting.
What will the Neurologist do for patients who are fainting?
The Neurologist will perform physical examination, blood tests, CT / MRI brain scan, heart scan (Echocardiogram), Holter study (recording of heart rhythm) and other relevant tests. Some patients may need to be referred to the Cardiologist (heart specialist).
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