Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for fainting, also called "syncope." Fainting happens when your child's brain does not get enough blood for a short period of time, and they pass out or almost pass out.
Things that can cause a child to faint include:
●Standing in 1 place for too long
●Standing up too quickly, especially if they 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 child's fainting was likely not caused by something serious.
How do I care for my child 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 your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Teach your child to:
•Sit or lie down right away if they 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 they stand up. When they stand up, they should walk slowly at first.
•Move their legs often if they need to sit or stand in 1 position for a long time
●Give your child extra fluids to stay hydrated. Make sure they eat regular meals.
●Take extra care to protect your child from falls. Do not let them ride a bicycle or scooter when they feel faint.
●Teens should avoid driving when they feel faint. If they feel faint while driving, they should pull over right away and wait until they feel better.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child faints, and:
-You cannot wake them up.
-They are having trouble breathing, or are not breathing normally.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child faints, and:
-They do not become alert within 5 minutes.
-They were exercising when they fainted.
-Their heart is beating very fast.
-They have chest pain.
-They have a seizure.
-They have weakness in their arms or legs.
-They have a change in their vision or hearing.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●Faints again
●Hits their head when they faint
●Has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Syncope (fainting) (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Side effects from medicines (The Basics)
