Definition

• Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness and falling down
• A return to being awake and alert happens within a minute or so
• Also called passing out or blacking out
• The medical name for fainting is syncope
• This handout can help you prevent the most common types of fainting

Health Information

Simple Fainting Basics

• Age of Onset. Simple fainting is mostly from standing too long in one place. It happens in over 20% of healthy teens. Simple fainting is rare for children under age 6. It is not common before age 10.
• Causes. In healthy teens, almost all are simple, benign fainting. Less than 1% have a serious medical cause. In older adults, serious causes are much more common.
• Risk Factors for Having a Simple Faint. Dehydration, fasting, hot weather, lack of sleep, recent illness. All of these increase the risk of a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain.

Simple Fainting (Benign Fainting): Types

• Standing too long in one place before fainting is the most common type. Happens at church, weddings or at events when standing a long time. More common if one keeps the knees “locked”. This pools the blood in the leg veins. Any person who stands long enough in one place will faint.
• Standing up quickly (often after lying down) before fainting is a less common cause. Often this just causes a person to feel dizzy for a short time. More common in the morning after not eating or drinking during the night.
• Sudden stressful feelings before fainting. Seeing a badly injured person or pet can trigger fainting. Other examples are seeing someone vomit, bleed or pass a stool. Also, stressful events such as speaking or performing in public can cause fainting.
• Sudden physical pain before fainting. Getting a shot or having stiches taken out can also trigger fainting. The stress of the event may cause the fainting rather than the pain itself.

Fainting: How to Diagnose the Cause

• Fainting has many causes. Most are harmless or even normal. A few of them are serious.
• Any child with fainting needs a complete exam by their doctor.
• If your child has not been seen about their fainting, make an appointment.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Fainting is common and happens in 20% of teens.
   • Standing too long in one place is the most common cause. Reason: blood pools in the veins in the legs.
   • Standing up quickly after lying down can also cause anyone to feel dizzy. If your child doesn’t sit down when this happens, they may faint.
   • These are normal types of fainting.
   • Simple fainting doesn’t cause any long-term problems.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. When Dizzy, Lie Down or Sit Down Quickly:
   • Most fainting can be prevented.
   • Learn the early warning signs for fainting. They are feeling dizzy, blurry vision, and nausea.
   • If you feel these warning signs, lie down right away. Reason: This will increase blood flow to the brain.
   • If you can only sit, put your head down by your knees.
   • You only have 5 - 10 seconds to prevent fainting and falling down.
   • Don’t be embarrassed. Lie down quickly no matter where you are. Better to do that than faint. Falling down could also cause a face or head injury.
   • Caution: Don’t get up too soon or you might faint. Stay down until you feel steady.
3. Change Positions Slowly:
   • When getting out of bed, sit on the edge for a few minutes before standing.
   • If you feel dizzy, lie down again.
   • If getting out of a hot tub or bath, go very slowly.
4. Move Your Leg Muscles:
   • If long standing in one place is needed, tighten and relax your leg muscles. Do this a few times each minute. This will pump the blood back to your heart. Caution: never stand with your knees locked.
   • Shift positions. Transfer your weight to one leg, then the other.
   • For long sitting in one place, move your feet and legs every few minutes.
   • For the future, exercise more and build up your leg muscles.
5. Drink Extra Water:
   • If you tend to faint, extra water is key. Reason: stay well hydrated and improve blood flow.
   • Drink extra fluids every day. Your goal is 8 cups (2 liters) per day.
   • You will need more during sports or hot weather.
   • Also add some salty foods to your diet. Too little salt in your diet, like too much, is not healthy. It can cause low blood pressure.
   • Don’t skip meals.
6. What to Expect After a Faint:
   • Most children with a simple faint are alert within 1 minute.
   • They feel normal after lying down for 10 minutes and drinking some water.
   • They then can stand without feeling dizzy.

Call Your Doctor If

• Fainting happens again and you don’t know why
• Fainting happens during exercise
• Fainting becomes a frequent problem
• You think your child needs to be seen
• You have other questions or concerns

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP