FAINTING

Symptom Definition

  • Fainting (passing out) is when a person loses consciousness for a short amount of time. Usually the person falls to the ground or slumps over.
  • Awakens in less than 1 minute.

FIRST AID Advice for Fainting

  • Lie down with feet elevated.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR FAINTING

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If:

  • Still unconscious after 1 minute has passed
  • Difficult to awaken or acting confused
  • Very weak (can't stand)
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lips or face are bluish now
  • Heart is beating irregularly or very fast  (i.e. "palpitations")
  • Heart is beating too slowly (i.e. less than 60 beats per minute)
  • Any bleeding (including vomiting blood, blood in stool, or vaginal bleeding)
  • Black bowel movements
  • Muscle jerking or shaking during fainting
  • History of heart problems or congestive heart failure
  • Pregnant or possibly pregnant
  • Any head or face injury
  • Signs of dehydration (e.g. no urine in more than 12 hours, very dry mouth, lightheaded, etc.)
  • Occurred during exercise
  • Age greater than 50
  • New-onset pale skin (pallor)
  • Fainting twice in one day

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Fainting occurs and afterwards you don't feel perfectly well

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Fainting is a recurrent problem

Self Care at Home If:

  • Simple faint due to stress, pain, prolonged standing, or suddenly standing up and you now feel completely fine, and you don't think you need to be seen
^Back to Top

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SIMPLE FAINT

  1. Rest: Lie down with feet elevated for 10 to 20 minutes. (Reason: simple fainting is due to temporarily decreased blood flow to the brain.)
  2. Sugar: Drink some fruit juice, especially if you have missed a meal or have not eaten in more than 6 hours.
  3. Fluids: In hot weather, drink several glasses of cold water and apply a cold wet washcloth to the forehead.
  4. Prevention: For fainting associated with prolonged standing, eat more salty foods and drink more fluids every day.
  5. Pregnancy Test When In Doubt: If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • You pass out again on the same day
    • You are pregnant
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
^Back to Top

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

View Anatomic Index of Topics