Near Syncope (Almost Fainting)

This is when your child feels like they are going to faint but doesn’t.

They never lose consciousness, but feel like they are going to faint until their symptoms pass.

It can be very quick or last up to an hour.

The majority of the time there is nothing wrong with your child.

This can be a normal reaction of the body and brain to certain situations, experiences, fears, and stressors.

This condition is more common in those assigned female at birth.

Another medical word for this condition is presyncope.

Near syncope is caused when the brain is not getting enough blood flow.

The majority of the time the feeling of near syncope is caused by normal events.

Some common events that can cause it are:

• Standing too long in one place, as it is hard to get blood flow back up to the brain.

• Getting up too fast from lying down or sitting, as the blood cannot make it up to the brain fast enough.

• Pain, anxiety, fear, or upsetting experiences.

• Dehydration or fasting.

• Certain medications, such as medicine to lower your child’s blood pressure.

• A condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, referred to as POTS.

• Hormonal changes as your child goes through puberty.

• Use of drugs or alcohol, nicotine, or other toxic substances.

The more serious causes include:

• Heart problems, lung problems, major blood loss, widespread infection in the body, some eating disorders, neurologic problems, and diabetes.

Your child may complain they feel dizzy or light-headed.

They may look unsteady, off-balance, or feel weak.

They may tell you they feel funny.

Their thoughts may seem confusing or jumbled.

They may tell you their vision looks blurry or that they are seeing black spots.

They may look pale or sweaty.

They may complain of abdominal pain or feel nausea.

They may notice that their heart feels like it is racing.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider will ask you and your child questions about your child’s symptoms.

• Your child’s healthcare provider will want to know all medications and supplements your child is taking.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider will examine your child.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider may want to check some labs in the office (possibly a urine sample or finger prick for glucose or low iron).

• Your child’s primary healthcare provider may want to send your child to a lab for additional bloodwork.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider may also want to check your child’s blood pressure and heart rate while they are in different positions.

The diagnosis can usually be made based on the information your child’s primary healthcare provider has from the visit that day.

If your child’s primary healthcare provider has any concerns, they may refer your child to a specialist.

Make sure to keep your child hydrated.

• On warm days, make sure they drink even more.

Encourage them to eat well-balanced, regularly scheduled meals.

If your child eats a minimal amount of salty foods, adding salt may help.

• Pretzels, salted nuts and seeds, and popcorn are examples of salty, healthy snacks.

• Fruits and vegetables that have higher levels of sodium are:

  • Guava, passion fruit, celery, pickles, and olives.  

Encourage them to take their time as they go from laying or sitting to standing up.

• This is especially important when they are getting up in the morning.

If you know they will be standing or sitting for long periods of time, remind them to gently move their legs and feet.

Make sure your child gets enough rest, downtime, and sleep.

If your child struggles with anxiety, nervousness, or stress, we can help.

Have your child lay down with their knees bent until they feel well again.

• This can take seconds to an hour.

• When laying down, this allows the blood flow to get back to the brain easier than when standing up.

• You can also have your child clench their fist or cross their legs as this helps increase blood flow to the brain as well.

Give your child lots of fluids and get them to the shade if they are in the sun.

• Electrolyte drinks may be most helpful since they have added salt which increases your child’s blood pressure.

Once they can sit comfortably in a seated position, salty snacks may help with their symptoms as well.

• Avoid anything to eat if they feel nausea, as this may cause them to vomit.

If they have any medical conditions, follow the advice you have been given by your child’s specialist (examples would be their cardiologist, endocrinologist, or pulmonologist).

• If your child has been given a medication, check to see if they have been taking it.

If your child has been struggling with anxiety, stress, or nervousness, we can help.

Ask your child if they are using any substances like drugs or alcohol.

• If you have any concerns about substance addiction or abuse, we can help.

Your child is not improving or getting worse.

Your child has fainted.

You are concerned about your child.

You have would like to have your child seen.