What Is Syncope and What Happens When You Faint?

What is Syncope?

Syncope is the medical term that is used for fainting or “passing out.” While syncope is very common, losing consciousness temporarily is very frightening and can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Generally, those who experience this temporary loss of consciousness will fall to the ground or slump over in the chair they are sitting in and then regain consciousness within a few seconds or minutes.

However, syncope can be a warning sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Unfortunately, it can be the first and only sign prior to sudden cardiac death. Therefore, it’s important to seek the expertise of a neurology specialist if you experience an episode of syncope.

In short, syncope is defined as having the following aspects:

1. Symptoms such as dizziness may be experienced before fainting.
2. A sudden loss of consciousness for a brief time.
3. Spontaneous recovery within a few seconds or minutes.

Signs and Symptoms of Fainting

The following signs and symptoms may be experienced around fainting:

• Tunnel vision, lightheadedness, nausea, or sweating often precede a loss of consciousness.
• Some people feel warm, dizzy, or weak.
• In convulsive syncope, you may experience muscle jerks before regaining normal consciousness.
• Recovery is usually fast. Consciousness returns in seconds or minutes.

Causes of Fainting

Syncope occurs when there is a drop in blood pressure or a decrease in blood flow to your brain. There are several reasons why this could happen, and it will vary depending on the type of syncope. Syncope can also be caused by a medical condition that affects your nervous system or heart, including ventricular tachycardia.

Types of Syncope

The following are some of the types of syncope and the causes:

Vasovagal Syncope (also called reflex syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope)

This most common form is a type of reflex syncope. It can be triggered by emotional distress, pain, fear, or prolonged standing. It occurs when your heart beats too slowly and/or blood vessels expand, resulting in less blood flowing to your brain.

Convulsive Syncope

This is characterized by small jerking motions after passing out, with spontaneous and complete recovery. This occurs because of a decreased blood flow to your brain, resulting in this seizure-like reaction.

Postural Syncope

This is also called postural hypotension. It occurs when standing up causes a temporary drop in blood pressure. Often due to poor circulation, low blood volume, medications, or autonomic dysfunction. It can be seen in conditions like diabetes or Parkinson’s.

Cardiac Syncope

This is a more serious, life‑threatening type linked to abnormal heart rhythms, mechanical heart issues, or irregular heartbeats like tachycardia or bradycardia. This form increases the risk of sudden cardiac events and warrants immediate care.

Situational Syncope

Triggered by specific activities like coughing, sneezing, swallowing, or urination. These syncopal episodes are brief and tied to certain triggers impacting the nervous system.

Carotid Sinus Syncope

Pressure on the carotid artery affects reflex control over heart rate and blood pressure.

Common Triggers of Syncope

Some common triggers of syncope include the following:

• Emotional distress or stress
• Dehydration or prolonged standing
• Sudden pain or fear
• Blood draws or needle procedures
• Low blood sugar
• Changes in body position
• Certain medications impact blood pressure or heart rate

How Doctors Diagnose Syncope

Your neurologist or cardiologist will perform a full medical history review and physical exam. Be prepared to discuss:

• Whether you’ve had previous fainting spells
• What were you doing right before losing consciousness
• Any preceding symptoms or tunnel vision
• Duration and any witnesses to the episode
• Medications, medical conditions, and family history

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart’s electrical activity and detect irregular heart rhythm
• Tilt table test and blood pressure measurements in different positions
• An electroencephalogram (EEG) is recommended if a neurological cause is suspected
• Carotid sinus massage or ultrasound in suspected cases of carotid sinus syncope
• Blood pressure measurements in different positions

Treatment Options

Treatment options for syncope will depend on the specific cause of your syncope and the results of your evaluation and testing. The goal of treatment is to determine the cause of your fainting and avoid anything that may trigger it, if possible.

When you feel like you are about to faint, prevention techniques, such as lying down with feet elevated and using counter-pressure maneuvers, can help. Working with a neurologist is particularly helpful in cases of neurologic syncope or symptoms suggesting a neurological condition.

When Should You See Your Healthcare Provider?

See a neurologist or cardiologist at OrthoNeuro if you:

• Have recurrent fainting spells
• Experienced loss of consciousness unexpectedly with no clear trigger
• Feel dizzy or see tunnel vision, or have jerking movements during recovery
• Have a known cardiac disease or increased risk due to heart conditions
• Were injured from a fall or head impact

Prompt evaluation helps reduce hospital admissions or emergency department visits by pinpointing causes and preventing more serious episodes.

Contact OrthoNeuro for Syncope Evaluation

At OrthoNeuro in Columbus, OH, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of syncope. If you’ve experienced a syncope fainting episode or have concerns about reduced blood flow, blood pressure drop, or an irregular heart rhythm, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping you regain peace of mind and prevent future episodes.

Medically reviewed by Martin T. Taylor, D.O., PhD