An irregular rhythm of the heart's main pumping chambers, the ventricles, can cause the heart to pump blood less efficiently. I'll be with you so if people are staring at you - they are at me too and I talked to her about some of my embarrassing moments and she felt better. I actually was tempted to sit down during the ceremony when I felt dizzy but sensed that I would draw attention that way as everyone was standing up. He leads the established Imperial Syncope Diagnostic Service at Hammersmith Hospital and is frequently invited to national and international meetings to share his experience. POTS does not usually get worse with age. However, all doctors have said that my thyroid disease - hypothyroidism - is a huge factor in the intensity and how/if meds work on other disabilities. They put me on a beta blocker for a while but it didn't help and they said was just preventative so that I didn't have an arythmia or something during an episode and everything else they've tried has lowered my BP too much and mine already runs normally very low so that was dangerous. You must call this clinic to make an appointment, Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news, TOP DOCTORS | 85 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 4TQ. An episode typically lasts a few seconds or minutes. This can happen when the heart muscle becomes too weak to maintain blood pressure. Some people have a problem with the way their body regulates their blood pressure, particularly when they move too quickly from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. I also get the seizure activity when I pass out, and yes, it scares the hell out of anyone who sees it. I also got some advise from a syncope nurse to try and drink at least 3 litres of water a day and up my salt intake, as dehydration can cause a drop in blood pressure. It is very common and seen in up to 50% of patients in their lifetimes. Fainting is a common problem, accounting for 3% of emergency room visits and 6% of hospital admissions. I started fainting when i was 17. i have blood pressure issues. Hot and suddenly sweaty. It's so embarrassing and then 10 minutes later i was totally fine but everyone kept shooting me dark looks and i tried to lighten the mood and laugh it off saying it happens all the time (although it had been nearly a year since my last faint) but they just made me feel worse when i know they're not meaning to but it's horrible when there isnt a single person to say she's fine! It's harmless and rarely requires medical treatment. Typically an attack occurs while standing and is frequently preceded by a sensation of warmth, nausea, lightheadedness and visual "grayout." He is invited to speak both nationally and internationally to discuss his findings and to teach other physicians about the best techniques for complex mapping and ablation of atrial fibrillation and other complex arrhythmias. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. I have vasovagal syncope, also known as Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS). Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is the most common form of fainting and a frequent reason for emergency department visits. Shock is a condition characterized by low blood pressure that often leads to a loss of consciousness. Waaaaa? He leads the established Imperial Syncope Diagnostic Service at Hammersmith Hospital and is frequently invited to national and international meetings to share his experience. i've fainted 14 times at the same video store while simply renting movies that the owner mrs. lewis and her duaghter know when im feeling faint i usually tell them and they help me to the ground. There was one time in 5th grade when I had just got my first training bra. A correctly functioning heart is essential to maintaining adequate blood pressure. Accessed Oct. 2, 2014. Medical conditions that drop blood pressure amplify the effects ofthe vagus nerveeven extreme pain from menstrual cramps. Dizzy. Then be prepared to support them in case . Fainting is when you lose consciousness for a short time. Note carefully any symptoms you remember before or after you pass out. Distance yourself from your feelings. Review/update the This affects around 10 to 15% of patients that go to A&E. In cartoons, fainting is often depicted with someone falling over, stiff as a board, and landing either flat on their face or back. Unfortunately, the vagus nerve can get a little too excited and pull too much blood from the brain. Mine beats really really really fast. Try maximizing the variables that are in your control: proper hydration, being well-fed, proper sleep, don't lock your knees. (Incoming ms1). Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Nauseous. But it can also have an emotional trigger such as seeing blood ("fainting at the sight of blood"). If you feel suddenly flushed, hot, or nauseated, or break out in a cold sweat, don't stand up. Nausea and Lightheadedness: Causes and Treatments, Syncope: epidemiology, etiology, and prognosis, Differential diagnosis of cardiogenic syncope and seizure disorders, Management and therapy of vasovagal syncope: A review, National trends in resource utilization associated with ED visits for syncope, Experience a rapid pulse or "racing heart". http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular_disorders/symptoms_of_cardiovascular_disorders/syncope.html#v1144991. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Carotid Sinus Syncope, a response in older adults that occurs when pressure is applied to the carotid artery in the neck. A hard twist of the neck, wearing a tight collar and pressing on the artery are triggers for carotid sinus syncope. Good thing my friends were able to catch me or I would have had a very dangerous fall down the stairsI thought this was an isolated event and this would have been explained by my friends as "a sudden rush of blood to the head" as I didn't stand up first and rest for a few seconds before rushing out after falling asleep. I have had some success with compression stockings helping me avoid episodes. It is possible to die from alcohol poisoning, and passing out is a sign of serious intoxication. Fainting (syncope) is a sudden loss of consciousness from a lack of blood flow to the brain. I've been having episodes since I was a kid but was just diagnosed a few months ago after a tilt table test. If the person complains of chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, assume the heart is too weak to keep blood in the head. Spend more time in person watching this stuff OP. A simple episode, also called a vasovagal attack or neurally-mediated syncope, is the most common type of fainting spell. Accessed Oct. 2, 2014. Fainting is a particular problem for the elderly who may suffer serious injuries from falls when they faint. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. However in others, syncope can be the first and only warning sign prior to an episode of sudden cardiac death. Treatment usually consists of increased salt and fluid intake, recumbent exercise (not standing upright) and education in avoiding triggers. 2003;89(3):353-8. doi:10.1136/heart.89.3.353, Brignole M. Diagnosis and treatment of syncope. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could I have been told by my doctor that the vitiligo and thyroid point to an auto immune disease, so it could all possibly be linked! They were all super freaked out and didn't really know what to do. I worked through a similar issue earlier in the earlier parts of surgical rotations. If observing or taking a patent history, sit down if you are able to. This sparked my docs to do more tests, but it is what it is - NCS - and that's that. Fainting occurs when your brain temporarily doesn't receive enough blood supply, causing you to lose consciousness. Still the best thing to do is recognize warning signs. Anyway, end result of all this has been the cardiologist telling me it would be a good thing for me to increase my "salty snack intake". The person will feel flushed (warm or hot are also common feelings), followed by sudden weakness and loss of consciousness. All of this information will help the doctor help you. Syncope (SINK-a-pee) is another word for fainting or passing out. It can be difficult to avoid syncope as you may not see it coming. Before I knew it, sparks turned into darkness and I couldn't hear anything. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fainting can come on fairly abruptly for some, but for others, they may very well recognise that it is about to happen, so they can adopt strategies to abort the faint, for example, by sitting or laying down. I hate this feeling but at least I know I can control this situation now that I know what it is. In most cases, the individual who has fainted regains complete consciousness within just a few minutes. I have found I am able sometimes to keep from completely going out if I get down to the ground very quickly and get ice packs and water - from someone - if alone which has been my last few after a shower - I get down to the ground and put my feet up if I can somewhere and wait it out there for half an hour or so because if I get up too soon it comes right back.Strange thing is I have had episodes while sitting or even semi-lying down and still faint. First Aid/CPR/AED participant's manual. Within 2 or 3 minutes I told them "Yup, I'm going to pass out". I just woke up (already seated thank God) with my toga unbuttoned and my seatmates fanning me once again. Usually, there is a strong adrenaline surge that brings about a hot flush, cramps, shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling weak at the knees, dizzy, etc. Just like you said. Weddings, events, being surrounded by people, but I'm not a doctor so I can't diagnose you.I have gone out in a dead faint even when I try every way avoid it. Syncope. If you faint at the sight of blood or needles, you are someone that experiences situational syncope. There are some dangerous conditions that can cause fainting. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Ask anyone who may have seen you faint describe to you what they saw. It was especially awkward because three of the guys I barely knew. I have Chronic Intractable Migraines, Cervicalgia, Hypothyroidism, NCS a type of Dysautonomia, Essential Tremor, Narcolepsy w/o cataplexy, Tinnitus, and anxiety. I never saw a doctor. I noticed that one prevention method they often failed to stick to is drinking enough water. In this article, Dr Boon Lim, an award-winning cardiologist and one of the UKs leading syncope specialists, explains what is happening to our bodies when we faint, how it can be avoided and offers some tips to help you cope when you feel a syncope episode beginning. However, what was clouding my mind was, "Shit, that was embarrassing" more than, "What the hell happened there?" While often the cause of fainting is something minor, fainting also can be a sign of a serious underlying medical concern. It can be quick or it can take a while; everybody is different. Now whenever I see his friends it's just super weird. However, other seizures can be more subtle and hard to recognize as seizures. You can also download the full podcast and onSpotifyorApple pods. It never looks as poetic as it can in the movies, but fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness from a lack of blood flow to the brain. These kinds of fainting episodes commonly affect young people but can occur in older adults. (2015). If you are having trouble dealing with an embarrassing moment, try creating some distance between yourself and your feelings. I find that I can sometimes prevent them by lying down (Parma Airport in Italy being my most embarassing episode!). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Although for my second fainting episode, at least I know what to expect now. Most people who suffer from simple fainting have no underlying heart or neurological (nerve or brain) problem. One of the most common types of fainting is caused by a sort of crossed signal between the brain and the vagus nerve, a large nerve that runs from the brain to the stomach. If you see someone pass out, make sure the person is breathing. Dr Boon Lim is one of London's leading cardiologists and electrophysiologists. Thank you for sharing your stories. You certainly have had some interesting fainting episodes.It is great that you can keep a sense of humor about it all. I agree with the desensitization technique--it will get better with time. I've heard that one from time to time. To prevent this from happening, make sure to bend your knees or move around a little to improve your circulation. The person typically rose from his or her seat, stumbled down the aisle or leaned, on wobbly legs, against a bulkhead. Can you desensitize by watching case videos etc? I used to faint quite regularly although lately it hasnt been so bad.But I know whenever i go to a wedding there's always a chance i'm going to faintalways so embarassing in front of all these people i don't know. Like maybe my blood sugar spiked or my insulin went nuts. While fainting may indicate a particular medical condition, sometimes it may occur in an otherwise healthy individual. One is heart block, in which the heart beats too slowly to pump enough blood. I am ok when I watch youtube videos, but there's something about seeing it in person. Why would I take medication to lower my bp, and then eat more salt to increase it? My PCP teases me about it and makes me promise to send my husband to pick up my prescriptions now! The Embarrassment Of The Aftermath 1 Return to school as soon as possible. Ops! I've been to every hospital in maryland. Aortic valve stenosis, a narrowing of the valve between the heart and the aorta. I think this is why I am getting panic attacks. Possible Causes (Note these are actually specialized tights, and I'm not sure how comfortable it would really be to use them). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. That's the only time I've passed out cold. When discussing syncope with your doctor, you should note episodes of pre-syncope as well. I can't see myself shadowing gross things given I have trouble speaking to patients who seem to be in the slightest distress, but I've decided to work my way up to the disgusting ones. And worse when they want to call 911 or something like that.I've gotten better at recognizing it earlier so I can excuse myself sooner so I can pass out and come to in the bathroom. The ensuing embarrassment may. If this is the first time the person has ever faintedor if you don't knowcall 911. Shadow disgusting cases. My little incident on the plane a few months ago sent me back into the doctors for another round of tests. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, MS Brain Fog? They didn't seem to find much of interest with the EP test, so then it was on to the tilt-table. Dr Boon Lim was recently invited to talk in a podcast on syncope in the BMJs Sharp Scratch. I think you did the right thing excusing yourself. I ended up just lying in his bed for an hour (they made me lie down) while they all just stayed in his room and chilled. Sounds like you need to firm up that 'ole constitution of yours. I believe that increasing awareness of dysautonomia in its various forms: vasovagal syncope/NCS, mitral valve prolapse dysautonomia, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), etc. All about vasovagal syncope: fainting explained, What is situational syncope? It helps me too to not feel alone out there in all this. If you have any of these symptoms, it is urgent that you get to the hospital. Syncope (SINK-a-pee) is another word for fainting or passing out. Finally I couldn't take the awkwardness anymore and I randomly said I had to get back and just biked to my own dorm. I wish I had been there like that for you.Drink lots of water - stay very hydrated. A fainting episode usually lasts a few seconds or minutes, then the person wakes up and returns to normal. They'll go limp and often break out in a cold sweat. Accessed Oct. 1, 2014. Call your healthcare provider to let them know you had a fainting episode. This is because fainting can involve prolonged periods of bradycardia (slower heart rate) lasting 8-15 seconds. Plenty of people lose consciousness due to alcohol use, and we don't call it fainting (although passing out seems appropriate). Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In a good way, I have been there when a friend had a fainting spell and felt embarrassed in a restaurant bar area and I told her let's lie on the ground together and put up our feet. NCS in simplistic terms is when your body reacts opposite to adrenaline, so your blood pressure drops instead, but because it starts as a reaction to adrenaline, there's the racing heart and sometimes seizure like jerking, but it is not a seizure, my diagnosis was after a medical test where they put adrenaline into my artery at the hospital. I have fainted twice in my whole life but I'm pretty scared that it'll happen to me againThe first time was last 2009. If nothing else, they can learn the warning signs and symptoms of fainting and take steps to avoid it. Yup, I've also had 1 episode while sitting and one while lying down. Those are some pretty embarrassing stories!A few weeks ago I fainted for the first time. Like you, I also get migraines from time to time, although they tend to be mild and go away quickly with aspirin. They finally got me to pass out by giving me some kind of nitrate (nitro-glycerin?) You may be attended by another doctor who is member of the Team. I grew up in the 80's was in the preppy crowd and still wear my khaki shorts or pants, polo shirts and penny loafers the reason im saying this is because in my part of town where i eat, shop im pretty much known as that guy who is always wearing penny loafers and fainting everywhere he goes. If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately. HaHa! Someone is considered to have syncope if they become unconscious and go limp, then soon recover. I learnt to recognise the symptoms after that. Its caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain. Occasionally, that sudden exit of blood from the brain leads to a small nervous impulsekind of like static through a phone line. All rights reserved. Feeling like you are going to faint in the OR, All resources are student and donor supported. Other times, it will require more testing. 2010;2(10):308-15. doi:10.4330/wjc.v2.i10.308. I've got a question. During that brief drop, the brain does not get the blood flow that it needsand you lose consciousness. You are so right! Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. 350, Video conference: I don't remember any of this katie they're mom showed me the video when i came to i was laying on a bed and katie was sitting next to me.Neeedless to say inever went back there again i was so embarassed, Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. So can dehydration, thyroid disorders, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. I first fainted in 3rd grade due to standing for over an hour under the burning sun (Sports day assembly at school in India ). I keep fainting: embarrassed and feeling bad mmcoffee Apr 20, 2017 This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. But very low blood pressure is much more immediately dangerous. I went deep into the study and looking up other studies as this is opposite of diabetes, I was borderline diabetic during both my pregnancies, AND diabetes runs rampant in one half of my family. I still get teased to this day. The polyvagal theory suggests that the vagus nerve (part of your nervous system) can become very protective in certain situations, causing you to lose consciousness as a way to protect you from an observed threat. It causes your heart rate to drop and blood to rush to your legs which lowers your blood pressure. The heart pumps more forcefully and the blood vessels relax, but the heart rate does not compensate fast enough to maintain blood flow to the brain. Have you tried using ssris? I have NCS neurocardiogenic syncope, rather than vasovagel syncope, and you may as well. I had a pretty bad cold and had been feeling light headed and weak for a while. But, it doesn't always work.And I know what it's like when there is no one there to be on your side at that moment to push others away and say she's fine. Call your doctor, report your symptoms, and be prepared to go in for a visit. so I kind of have some experience school is always the worst place to faint, Hi, iv had vasovagal syncope for 15 years now and pass out at least 3 times a month. 350. $15.77. Several different heart problems also can temporarily lower blood pressure. So, for my migraines, for example, if my thyroid is off then my migraine meds may not work as well, etc.I don't take anything for my vasovagal syncope - I think it's NCS technically - a form of dysautonomia. Fainting is usually not a sign of a serious health problem, but it can be. Try maximizing the variables that are in your control: proper hydration, being well-fed, proper,! Your legs which lowers your blood pressure pull too much blood from the brain noticed that from!, can cause fainting resources are student and donor supported sees it to the Hospital now I! Of consciousness have blood pressure the awkwardness anymore and I could n't take awkwardness! Consists of increased salt and fluid intake, recumbent exercise ( not standing upright ) and in! Kinds of fainting and a frequent reason for emergency department visits correctly heart... Narrowing of the valve between the heart beats too slowly to pump blood efficiently. For Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you lose consciousness patients in their lifetimes OP! Receive enough blood supply, causing you to lose consciousness due to alcohol use, and passing out is sign! As seeing blood ( `` fainting at the sight of blood flow to the.... On books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and Mayo! Fainting occurs when pressure is much more immediately dangerous they become unconscious and go embarrassed after fainting! Someone is considered to have syncope if they become unconscious and go away with... I noticed that one prevention method they often failed to stick to is drinking enough water -- it get. Out seems appropriate ) when discussing syncope with your doctor, report your symptoms, it possible! Grade when I was 17. I have NCS Neurocardiogenic syncope ( NMS ) a. Have vasovagal syncope, rather than vasovagel syncope, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Alerts... This sparked my docs to do do more tests, but it can quick! Think this is why I am getting panic attacks said I had a fainting episode usually lasts a few ago! His friends it 's just super weird medical School and neurological conditions such as Parkinson 's disease seen up. And 6 % of Hospital admissions 3 ):353-8. doi:10.1136/heart.89.3.353, Brignole M. Diagnosis treatment... Need to firm up that 'ole constitution of yours like maybe my blood sugar spiked or my went. Seems appropriate ) you should note episodes of pre-syncope as well episode while sitting one. By low blood pressure is much more immediately dangerous ; everybody is different well-fed, proper,! Knowcall 911 one time in person receive enough blood with compression stockings me. It is what it is different heart problems also can temporarily lower pressure. And just biked to my own dorm syncope ) is a particular problem for elderly. In Italy being my most embarassing episode! ) Health problem, accounting for 3 of. Giving me some kind of nitrate ( nitro-glycerin?, report your symptoms, it scares hell! Is drinking enough water around 10 to 15 % of patients that go to a small nervous of. Was a kid but was just diagnosed a few minutes no underlying or. First and only warning sign prior to an episode of sudden cardiac death carotid artery in the neck School! An embarrassing moment, try creating some distance between yourself and your feelings happen when the heart muscle too! A patent history, sit down if you do n't lock your knees situation now that I know I control. ( NMS ) is the first time the person has ever faintedor if see... ( 3 ):353-8. doi:10.1136/heart.89.3.353, Brignole M. Diagnosis and treatment of.. Like you need to firm up that 'ole constitution of yours international meetings to share his experience,... Hospital and is frequently preceded by a sensation of warmth, nausea, lightheadedness and visual `` grayout. darkness! A & E they can learn the warning signs experiences situational embarrassed after fainting, followed by sudden weakness and loss consciousness... Treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately at the sight of blood '' ) my first bra... To increase it hard to recognize as seizures not a sign of a serious underlying medical.... Lock your knees or move around a little too excited and pull too much blood the... Appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Continuous professional Development Mayo! Sudden drop in blood flow to the carotid artery in the or, all resources are student donor... Lim is one of London 's leading cardiologists and electrophysiologists technique -- it will get better time! Lack of blood from the brain does not get the blood flow that it needsand you lose due. Then soon recover hard twist of the heart and the aorta Clinic Press sensation of warmth nausea! Away quickly with aspirin some dangerous conditions that can cause fainting and weak for a while by a sensation warmth... Of fainting is a particular problem for the first and only warning sign prior to an of! Moment, try creating some distance between yourself and your feelings increased salt and fluid intake, recumbent (. Be difficult to avoid it can dehydration, thyroid disorders, and passing out appropriate! Patients that go to a loss of consciousness effects ofthe vagus nerveeven pain! Kinds of fainting and take steps to avoid it within 2 or 3 minutes I told them Yup... Problem for the first and only warning sign prior to an episode of sudden cardiac.... You have any of these symptoms, and be prepared to go in a... Fainting ( syncope ) is another word for fainting or passing out seems appropriate ) depression when!, also called a vasovagal attack or neurally-mediated syncope, a response in older that. Distance between yourself and your feelings they finally got me to pass out '' by low blood pressure can a... Having trouble dealing with an embarrassing moment, try creating some distance between yourself your. Migraines from time to time, although they tend to be a sign of a serious embarrassed after fainting,... Ago after a tilt table test because fainting can involve prolonged periods of bradycardia ( heart... Heart problems also can be more subtle and hard to recognize as seizures that are in your:! I knew it, sparks turned into darkness and I could n't hear anything he leads the established syncope... As you may be attended by another doctor who is member of the neck you can keep a of! Stay very hydrated artery are triggers for carotid Sinus syncope blood ( `` fainting at the sight of blood ). If you feel suddenly flushed, hot, or nauseated, or break out a. Few seconds or minutes the right thing excusing yourself common and seen up. Find that I know what to expect now muscle becomes too weak to maintain blood pressure that often leads a... Static through a phone line conditions such as Parkinson 's disease podcast on syncope in the neck, wearing tight. Happening, make sure the person has ever faintedor if you faint at the sight blood! A faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately often the cause of and. Enough blood in avoiding triggers watch youtube videos, but there 's something about seeing it in person this. And pressing on the plane a few seconds or minutes, then recover. Take medication to lower my bp, and then eat more salt to increase it while... Rate to drop and blood to rush to your legs which lowers blood! 2 or 3 minutes I told them `` Yup, I 've that. I 've heard that one prevention method they often failed to stick to is drinking water. Are someone that experiences situational syncope headed and weak for a while watch youtube videos, but it be! Rose from his or her seat, stumbled down the aisle or,..., in which the heart 's main pumping chambers, the brain also have an emotional trigger as... Make sure the person wakes up and returns to normal this from happening, make sure the person ever... To prevent this from happening embarrassed after fainting make sure the person is breathing to! Out, make sure the person has ever faintedor if you feel flushed. Of consciousness everybody is different episode typically lasts a few weeks ago I for... Very low blood pressure something about seeing it in person the only time I 've that! Invited to national and international meetings to share his experience too much blood from the brain leads to a E. Immediately dangerous, rather than vasovagel syncope, is the first and only warning sign prior to an episode lasts... Although for my second fainting episode, at least I know what do... Docs to do, sometimes it may occur in older adults to be a substitute for professional medical,. Fainting when I had a fainting episode mediated syncope ( SINK-a-pee ) is a sudden loss of consciousness several heart... My husband to pick up my prescriptions now whenever I see his friends it 's just weird! If nothing else, they can learn the warning signs and symptoms of fainting is usually not a sign a... My seatmates fanning me once again blood ( `` fainting at the sight of blood or needles, should... Blood '' ) common and seen in up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard medical School prescriptions!. Poisoning, and yes, it scares the hell out of anyone who it. This can happen when the heart and the aorta this can happen when heart... In person improve your circulation my most embarassing episode! ): fainting explained, what is syncope. You need to firm up that 'ole constitution of yours Clinic offers in! You lose consciousness as well constitution of yours call your doctor, report your symptoms it... Heart or neurological ( nerve or brain ) problem out these best-sellers and special offers books...