What is Syncope

Syncope is when you pass out (faint) for a short time. It is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. Signs that you may be about to pass out include:

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed.
• Feeling sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• Seeing all white or all black.
• Having cold, clammy skin.

If you pass 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:

Watch for any changes in your symptoms. Take these actions to stay safe and help with your symptoms:

Lifestyle

• Do not drive, use machinery, or play sports until your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you are taking blood pressure or heart medicine, sit up and stand up slowly. Spend a few minutes getting ready to sit and then stand. This can help you feel less dizzy.
• Have someone stay with you until you feel stable.
• 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.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Get help right away if:

• You have a very bad headache.
• You pass out once or more than once.
• You have pain in your chest, belly, or back.
• You have a very fast or uneven heartbeat (palpitations).
• It hurts to breathe.
• You are bleeding from your mouth or your bottom (rectum).
• You have black or tarry poop (stool).
• 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.

Summary

• Syncope is when you pass out (faint) for a short time. It is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain.
• Signs that you may be about to faint include feeling dizzy, light-headed, or sick to your stomach, seeing all white or all black, or having cold, clammy skin.
• 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.