FAINTING - SYNCOPE
FAINTING - SYNCOPE
Fainting
occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily inadequate,
causing you to lose consciousness. This loss of consciousness is usually
brief.
Fainting
can have no medical significance, or the cause can be a serious disorder.
Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the
signs and symptoms are relieved and the cause is known.
If
you feel faint
Discuss
recurrent fainting spells with your doctor.
If
someone else faints
-
Position
the person on his or her back.
Make sure the legs are elevated, if possible above the heart level.
-
Check
the person's airway to be sure it's clear.
Watch for vomiting.
-
Check
for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement).
If absent, begin CPR. Call 0-0-0 or your local emergency number. Continue
CPR until help arrives or the person responds and begins to breathe.
-
Help
restore blood flow.
If the person is breathing, restore blood flow to the brain by raising
the person's legs above the level of the head. Loosen belts, collars or
other constrictive clothing. The person should revive quickly. If the
person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, dial 0-0-0 or call
for emergency medical assistance.
If
the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat any bumps,
bruises or cuts appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
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