Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for fainting, also called "syncope." Fainting happens when your brain does not get enough blood for a short period of time, and you pass out or almost pass out.
Things that can cause you to faint include:
●Standing in 1 place for too long
●Standing up too quickly, especially if you have not had enough to drink or eat
●Stress from fear, anxiety, or pain
●Certain medicines
●Certain medical conditions, like heart problems
The doctor thinks your fainting was likely not caused by something serious.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure 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:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. Ask your doctor if any of your medicines could cause you to faint.
●Sit or lie down right away if you feel faint or dizzy.
●Avoid moving quickly from sitting or lying down to standing up.
●Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before you stand up. When you stand up, walk slowly at first.
●Move your legs often if you need to sit or stand in 1 position for a long time.
●Ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink and how much salt you should have each day.
●Try to eat regular meals throughout the day.
●Take extra care to protect yourself from falls. Use handrails, and walk slowly.
●Avoid driving when you feel faint. If you feel faint while driving, pull over right away and wait until you feel better.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:
•Faint or feel like you will faint, and also have any of the following:
-Bad chest discomfort
-Severe trouble breathing
-Feeling like your heart is beating very fast, very slow, or off beat
•Have a seizure
•Have new weakness in your arms or legs
•Have trouble speaking, swallowing, seeing, or hearing
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Faint again
●Hit your head when you faint
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Syncope (fainting) (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Side effects from medicines (The Basics)
