Syncope (medicine)
Syncope (pronounced: sin-ko-pee) is a medical term for fainting or passing out. It is derived from the Greek word synkope, meaning "cutting off".
Definition
Syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It's also described as fainting or "passing out." It most often occurs when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn't pump a normal supply of oxygen to the brain.
Causes
Syncope can have multiple causes. It can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, heart disease, anemia, and other underlying medical conditions. It can also be triggered by emotional distress, pain, or sudden changes in body position.
Symptoms
Before a person experiences syncope, they may have symptoms such as feeling lightheaded, nausea, feeling hot or cold, or having blurred vision. After regaining consciousness, the person may feel confused.
Treatment
Treatment for syncope depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications, physical therapy, or procedures to treat heart disease. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.
Related Terms
- Presyncope: A state of lightheadedness, muscular weakness, blurred vision, and feeling faint (as opposed to syncope, which is actually fainting).
- Orthostatic hypotension: A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
- Vasovagal syncope: The most common type of syncope, often triggered by a combination of dehydration and standing in one place for too long.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Syncope (medicine)
- Wikipedia's article - Syncope (medicine)
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