What is Near Syncope

Near syncope is when you suddenly get weak or dizzy, or you feel like you might pass out (faint). This is due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. During an episode of near-syncope, you may:

• Feel dizzy or light-headed.
• Feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• See all white or all black.
• Have cold, clammy skin.

If you passed out, get help right away.Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Follow these instructions at home:

Pay attention to any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to help with your condition:

• Have someone stay with you until you feel stable.
• Do not drive, use machinery, or play sports until your doctor says it is okay.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
• If you start to feel like you might pass out, lie down right away and raise (elevate) your feet above the level of your heart. Breathe deeply and steadily. Wait until all of the symptoms are gone.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
• If you are taking blood pressure or heart medicine, get up slowly and spend many minutes getting ready to sit and then stand. This can help with dizziness.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.

Get help right away if:

• You have a very bad headache.
• You have unusual pain in your chest, tummy, or back.
• You are bleeding from your mouth or rectum.
• You have black or tarry poop (stool).
• You have a very fast or uneven heartbeat (palpitations).
• You pass out one time or more than once.
• You have jerky movements that you cannot control (seizure).
• You are confused.
• You have trouble walking.
• You are very weak.
• You have vision problems.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.