Syncope is a medical condition characterized by an abrupt and temporary loss of consciousness brought on by a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which leads to a reduction in brain oxygen levels (hypoperfusion).
This is characterized by its quick onset, brief duration, and spontaneous recovery when the body responds to triggers like an intense emotion. Most people will experience it at some point in their lives.
What triggers syncope, and why does it occur?
- Several triggers include:
- Spending a lot of time standing.
- being subjected to sweltering temperatures.
- being exposed to or seeing blood.
- fear of being hurt physically
- Put forth a strong physical effort.
Even though it may evolve in a benign manner, it may also result in severe injuries or be connected to fatal cardiac events.
What kinds of syncope are there?
There are many different kinds, but some appear to be something they are not. It is crucial to stress that syncope needs to be distinguished from other conditions linked to actual or apparent transient loss of consciousness.
Cardiac arrhythmias: Being a heart rate or heart rhythm disorder, the proper circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain is not allowed, which can cause sudden fainting.
What symptoms can occur before suffering a syncope?
In general, in episodes of syncope, the person previously experiences dizziness, blurred vision, the presence of spots in the vision, muscle weakness, along with a transient loss of consciousness.
What must be avoided when experiencing syncope?
Most of the time, it is advised to find a seat or a place to lie down as soon as any symptoms appear. By doing this, the risk of injuries from falls that could lead to complications with one's health is decreased.
If you find yourself in this situation, lay the person down on a flat surface with their legs raised to allow more blood to flow to their brain through gravity and oxygenate the tissue.
When should a patient see a doctor?
It is crucial to emphasize that in order to provide appropriate treatment, all cases of these syncopal episodes must be evaluated by a doctor, who will also look into the medical history to determine what may have contributed to the episode's development.
How is it identified?
The diagnosis is made by taking the patient's blood pressure and obtaining a complete clinical history, with the goal of determining whether the patient has blood pressure readings that are prone to hypotension. Additionally, a tilt table test is carried out, which entails taking blood pressure continuously while observing how it changes depending on whether the patient is standing or lying down.
How can it be avoided?
The most crucial factor in the treatment or prevention of syncope is knowledge of the condition and the precautions that can be taken to stop the episode from progressing. The vast majority of those who have experienced this can get better by heeding these suggestions:
- Never use self-medication.
- Avoid making abrupt positional changes (sitting to standing up quickly).
- Don't spend a lot of time standing still.
- Avoid assembling in crowded places.
- High-temperature areas should be avoided (hot showers, Turkish baths).
- Avoid spending too much time in the sun.
- To avoid prolonged fasting.
- Limit your intake of salt.
- To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
- When you must stand for an extended period of time, wear compression stockings.
- To ensure that the head is always higher than the rest of the body, raise the bed's head by 10 to 15 degrees.
- Exercise aerobically frequently.
What are some methods to prevent syncope?
Compress your hands as much as possible using a foam or rubber ball while using your dominant hand. or until the symptoms go away.
Tension arm: Grab one hand with the other and pull each arm as far as you can in the opposite direction—or until the symptoms go away.
Leg crossing: For as long as possible or until the symptoms go away, cross your legs and tense your abdominal and buttock muscles at the same time.
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