One minute, your child is standing tall, singing in the choir. Next, they’re crumpling to the floor. Watching your child faint can be terrifying as a parent. It’s hard not to panic when it happens.
While fainting looks frightening, one of the most common causes in kids is something called vasovagal syncope (say: vay-zo-vay-gull sink-oh-pee). It sounds complicated, but it’s usually harmless.
We break down five things you need to know about vasovagal syncope in children, including tips to avoid future episodes.
What is vasovagal syncope?
Vasovagal syncope is a type of fainting that happens when your child’s heart rate and blood pressure suddenly drop. This slows blood flow to the brain and causes them to lose consciousness (pass out) for a short time.
Vasovagal syncope is also called vasovagal response or reflex syncope. It’s the most common cause of fainting in kids, teens and adults. About 15% of children will faint at least once before adulthood.
“The vagus nerve, which helps control how the body relaxes, plays an integral role,” said Alice Antonescu, MD, a pediatrician with Banner Health. “When certain situations stimulate the vagus nerve, it signals the blood vessels to open wide and the heart to slow down. With a slow heart rate and dilated blood vessels, less blood gets to the brain and fainting can happen.”
What causes vasovagal syncope?
Many different things can trigger a fainting episode. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Standing still for too long (like during school events or choir practice)
- Heat exposure, especially in crowded or stuffy places
- Emotional stress like fear, anxiety or seeing blood
- Pain from things like shots or injuries
- Dehydration from not drinking enough water
- Skipping meals, leading to low blood sugar
- Fatigue and exhaustion
In some rare cases, fainting can be a sign of a medical problem. Some health conditions can cause fainting, including:
- Heart problems
- Neurological conditions or seizures
- Anemia
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
Talk to your child’s health care provider, especially if fainting happens more than once, during exercise or for no clear reason.
Are there any warning signs before fainting happens?
Children may have symptoms before they actually faint. Recognizing these warning signs can help you act fast and possibly stop a fainting spell.
Signs to watch for include:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Sweaty or clammy skin
- Blurred vision or seeing spots
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds
- A pale or grayish face
- Weakness or shakiness
- Feeling very hot or very cold
Encourage your child to speak up if they feel these signs, especially in hot or crowded places.
What should I do if my child faints?
Even though vasovagal syncope is usually not dangerous, it’s important to act quickly when your child faints to keep them safe. Here are the steps to follow:
- Stay calm: Take a deep breath. Your child will most likely wake within a minute or two.
- Gently lay your child flat: If they’ve already fallen, make sure they’re lying on their back. If they’re still upright but feeling faint, help them lie down. “Allow them to lie down for 10 to 15 minutes,” Dr. Antonescu said.
- Elevate their legs: Raise their legs slightly above the level of their heart. This helps blood flow return to the brain more quickly.
- Check their breathing: Make sure they are breathing normally. If their breathing sounds strange or they don’t wake up within a minute, call 911.
- Loosen tight clothing: Unbutton tight collars or loosen belts to help with comfort and airflow.
- Let them rest: Once your child is awake, encourage them to lie still for a few minutes and then sit up slowly. Offer water and let them recover before standing again.
Most children wake up quickly and feel better after resting. Call your child’s health care provider if this is the first time your child has fainted or if it happens again.
“While vasovagal syncope is common, it’s always good to rule out other causes,” Dr. Antonescu said. “The provider will go over their medical history, check their blood pressure and may recommend an EKG (a heart rhythm test) or a tilt table test (a test that checks how the heart and blood pressure respond to changes in position).”
Seek emergency care if:
- Your child has a seizure after fainting.
- They don’t wake up after a few minutes.
- They faint during exercise or physical activity.
- They have irregular heartbeats.
- They have chest pains or trouble breathing.
Can vasovagal syncope be prevented?
Yes, it often can be prevented. Here are some ways to lower the chances of it happening:
- Keep your child hydrated: “Encourage water throughout the day, especially in the heat or during sports,” Dr. Antonescu said.
- Don’t skip meals: Remind them to eat regular meals and snacks. Low blood sugar can trigger fainting.
- Avoid standing for long periods without moving: If your child must stand, they can shift their weight from side to side, bend their knees or march in place to keep blood flowing.
- Manage emotional stress: Talk through fears or anxieties and practice deep breathing to stay calm.
- Teach them to recognize warning signs: If they feel dizzy or sick, they should sit or lie down immediately.
Your child’s provider may suggest lifestyle changes, such as adding extra salt to the diet or wearing compression socks. These steps help keep blood pressure steady. Always check with the provider before making any changes.
Final thoughts
Fainting is never fun to witness, especially when it’s your child. But in many cases, vasovagal syncope is more frightening than dangerous. By learning what causes it, spotting the early signs and helping your child take small steps to prevent it, you can protect their safety and give yourself peace of mind.
As your child grows, they may have fewer episodes or stop fainting altogether. Until then, stay in touch with your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.
