Patient education: Syncope (fainting) – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is syncope? — "Syncope" is the medical term for fainting. After fainting, a person quickly "comes to" and is OK again. Syncope is very common. About 1 out of every 3 people has it at some point in life. In many cases, syncope is nothing to worry about.

Syncope happens when the brain temporarily doesn't get enough blood. One of the most common reasons this happens is called "reflex" or "vasovagal" syncope. With this type, your body has a reaction in which your heart beats too slowly or your blood vessels expand (or both). The information below is about this type of syncope.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Try to avoid the activities or conditions that cause your syncope. If a medicine causes your syncope, your doctor can recommend a different medicine.

●Avoid standing for a long time.

●Ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink and how much salt you should have each day.

●Sit or lie down with your feet up if you feel like you might faint. You can also try doing "counterpressure maneuvers" if you think that you might faint. For example:

•Cross your legs while tensing your leg, abdominal, and buttock muscles.

•Squeeze a rubber ball as hard as you can in your hand.

•Clasp your hands in front of you while pulling your arms out to the sides.

●Try to eat regular meals throughout the day.

●Avoid driving when you feel faint. If you feel faint while driving, pull over right away.

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:

●You faint again.

●You faint or feel like you will faint, and also have any of the following symptoms:

•Chest pain or discomfort, or severe trouble breathing

•Feeling like your heart is beating very fast, very slow, or abnormally

●You have a seizure.

●You have weakness in your arms or legs.

●You have trouble speaking, swallowing, seeing, or hearing.

●You hit your head when you faint.

More on this topic

Patient education: Syncope (fainting) (The Basics)
Patient education: Orthostatic hypotension (The Basics)
Patient education: Vagal maneuvers (The Basics)
Patient education: Bradycardia (The Basics)

Patient education: Syncope (fainting) (Beyond the Basics)