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What is syncope (fainting)?
The medical word for fainting is syncope.
When the brain is not getting enough blood flow, it will cause the person to experience syncope.
When your body is flat it is easier for blood to get to the brain than while standing up.
The body is reacting to keep the brain safe.
When this is not caused by a serious medical condition, which it usually is not, there is no long-term danger to fainting.
What causes syncope (fainting)?
There are many causes of syncope and it can be a normal response of the body to keep the brain protected.
Less than 1% of syncope episodes are due to a serious medical condition.
Teens are the most common group to experience syncope.
This happens in around 20% of healthy teens, without anything worrisome being the cause.
It is less common for syncope to occur before the age of 10.
Some of the most common causes of fainting are:
Dehydration or hot weather.
Especially if your child has been out in the sun and has not been drinking enough fluids.
Standing too long in one place without moving.
This can make it harder for the blood to continually get back up to the brain.
This can happen anywhere, but common places are church, weddings, and graduations.
Standing up too fast usually after laying down.
The blood sometimes cannot make it up to the brain quickly enough.
This is more common in the morning after not having had anything to eat or drink yet.
Fasting for long periods of time.
Experiencing over-whelming stressful events.
This can happen with the sight of an injured person, pet, or blood.
While doing public speaking, performing or experiencing anxiety.
Intense or sudden physical pain.
Examples of this would be injuries, getting shots or bloodwork done, when having stitches placed or taken out or even when needing a splinter removed.
If your child has not been getting enough sleep or has been ill recently.
Breath holding spells in infants and toddlers.
This is most common in the 6 to 24 month age range and usually happens after a big emotional, painful, fearful, or angry outburst.
Rare, serious causes of syncope:
Heart problems.
Intoxication with drugs, alcohol, or poisoning.
Concussion or a head injury.
Loss of a large amount of blood, or severe anemia (low level of iron in the blood).
Large drop in blood sugar (glucose), as can happen with diabetes.
Anaphylaxis, where your child has a severe allergic reaction to something.
What are the symptoms of syncope (fainting)?
Your child may feel dizzy or light-headed.
They may look unsteady.
They may say they see stars, dots, or things look like they are blacking out.
They may complain of changes in hearing, as sounds can become dull.
Their skin may feel cold, damp, or clammy.
They may look sweaty.
They may feel nausea, vomit, or ask to lye down.
They may say their heart feels funny.
It may beat faster, slower or irregular.
If your child is standing up and they faint, the body will collapse.
If your child is seated and they pass out, they will look slumped over.
Syncope does involve a complete loss of consciousness.
As they regain consciousness, it takes a few seconds for them to think about where they are and what happened.
How is syncope diagnosed?
Your child’s primary healthcare provider will talk to you and your child (if age appropriate) about your child’s symptoms.
Your child’s primary healthcare provider will examine your child.
Your child’s primary healthcare provider may want to check your child’s blood pressure and heart rate in different positions.
Your child’s primary healthcare provider may want to check your child’s glucose, urine, or iron level in the office.
Your child may need to go to the lab for other blood work.
The majority of the time, you and your child will be reassured that they just had a simple syncopal episode that was caused by a reaction to a situation and not a medical problem.
If your child’s primary care provider has any concerns, they will refer your child to a specialist for further help.
How is syncope prevented?
Make sure to keep your child hydrated.
This helps make sure your child has good blood flow to the brain.
Encourage them to eat regular, well-balanced, healthy meals.
This helps keep their blood sugar (glucose) in a healthy range, so it doesn’t drop too low and increase the risk of fainting.
Make sure your child or teen has a good sleep routine.
Good sleep helps prevent exhaustion and helps control anxiety and irritability.
Encourage them to take their time going from laying to sitting to standing.
Have your child take pauses and go slowly while changing positions.
If your child feels dizzy, nauseated, or says their vision or hearing is funny, have them lay down.
If unable to have them lay down, have them sit and put their head between their knees.
In both of these positions, it is easier for the blood flow to get back to your child’s brain, hopefully preventing fainting.
Make sure to keep moving when sitting and standing.
When sitting, make sure your child moves their legs and feet around.
When standing, make sure your child tenses and relaxes their legs.
This movement will help keep blood flowing up to the brain.
How is syncope treated?
Helping treat the cause of syncope is key.
If your child sees a specialist for their syncope, be sure to follow their advice.
Encourage lots of fluids and healthy well-balanced meals.
When standing or sitting for long periods of time, have your child gently move their legs or feet.
If your child is struggling with stress or anxiety we can help.
Make sure they are getting enough sleep.
Encourage your child to avoid caffeine.
Follow these steps for syncope:
If they have food in their mouth, roll them on their side to keep them from choking.
Allow your child to lay flat and raise their knees for 10 to 15 minutes to recover.
If your child is seated, have them put their head in between their legs for 10 to 15 minutes for recovery.
Cold therapy can help - place cold packs on their chest or body.
If they are not nauseous, drinking some water or a sports drink with electrolytes can help.
Offer a simple snack like a piece of fruit if they have not eaten in a while and don’t feel nauseated.
Call 9-1-1 for help if your child:
Is not responding after a short period of time.
Is having trouble breathing, moving, or talking.
Fainted while exercising.
Has injuries from fainting.
Is bleeding a lot.
You think your child needs emergency help.
When to contact your child’s CPCMG healthcare provider:
Your child has a syncopal episode.
Your child has fainted during exercise.
Your child continues to faint even after treatment.
Your child is struggling with anxiety, stress, or any behavioral health concerns.
You have other questions or concerns.
You think your child needs to be seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from UpToDate, Healthychildren.org, Cedars-Sinai, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Rady Children’s Hospital.