Faint
Faint
Faint (/feɪnt/), from the Old French feindre, meaning to feign or pretend, is a sudden loss of consciousness, typically due to a lack of oxygen or glucose in the brain, or to temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain.
Definition
A faint is a brief loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is brief and leads to falling down if the person is standing up, or a feeling of weakness if sitting or lying down. If unconsciousness is prolonged, it may be classified as a syncope.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include a feeling of lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, and visual disturbances such as dimming or blurring. Fainting can also occur without any warning signs. After fainting, an individual may feel confused and weak for a short period of time.
Causes
Fainting can be caused by various factors including dehydration, low blood sugar, sudden changes in blood pressure, certain medications, and emotional distress. It can also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition such as heart disease or a neurological disorder.
Treatment
Treatment for fainting depends on the underlying cause. If fainting is due to dehydration or low blood sugar, treatment may involve rehydration and eating a balanced diet. If fainting is a symptom of a more serious condition, treatment may involve medication or surgery.
Related Terms
- Syncope: A temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
- Presyncope: A state of lightheadedness, muscular weakness, blurred vision, and feeling faint (as opposed to a syncope, which is actually fainting).
- Orthostatic hypotension: A form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Faint
- Wikipedia's article - Faint
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