Syncope refers to a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs due to a decrease or a sudden increase in blood flow to the brain. It is more commonly known as falling.

There are many kinds of fainting episodes. They can all be caused by different reasons. Let’s take a look at the different types and symptoms of Syncope. Also, what should you do if your fainting starts?

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Syncope?

It is possible to experience several symptoms just before you faint. These symptoms are common:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Cold or cold skin
• Feelings like weakness or unsteadiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vision changes like blurry/tunnel vision or spot-seeing
• Ringing in ears
• Feeling tired or yawning.
• Blacking out

What Are The Types Of Syncope You Have?

There are many kinds of Syncope. Each one has a different cause.

Sometimes, however, the cause may not be obvious. It is thought that an unknown factor causes 10-40% of cases of fainting.

Let’s examine some of the most common causes of Syncope (or fainting episodes).

Reflex Syncope

Reflex syncope, or neutrally mediated, is the most common type of fainting. It can occur when certain reflexes do not function properly.

This can lead to a slower heartbeat and lower blood pressure. This can also cause decreased blood flow to your head.

There Are Three Types Of Reflex Syncope

Vasovagal: A trigger is when your body responds in an abnormal way to it. Triggers come in many forms, including intense pain, distress, and prolonged standing. 50%of all cases are caused by Vasovagal Syncope.

Situational: This kind of fainting is caused by certain actions, like laughing, coughing, and swallowing.

Carotid sinus: This kind of fainting is caused when pressure on your carotid artery (located in the neck) is applied. Wearing tight collar shirts or shaving can all cause fainting?

Reflex syncope can cause fainting in people who have symptoms such as:

• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• The feeling of warmth
• Tunnel vision
• Visual blackout or gray out

Cardiac Syncope

Cardiac symptoms are fainting caused when your heart is not working properly. Your brain receives less blood if your heart isn’t performing as well as it should. Around 15% of fainting episodes can be attributed to cardiac Syncope.

There are several factors that can cause cardiac Syncope.

• Ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart valve disorders are some of the structural issues you may have with your heart. Dilated cardiomyopathy is another.
• Electrical problems that affect your heart, such as arrhythmias & conditions
• You may also have other conditions like a heart attack or dissection of the aorta.

Common signs and symptoms of the cardiac syndrome include:

• Feeling chest or Heart palpitations after fainting
• When exercising or exerting oneself, you may feel faint.
• You faint when you lie down.

There are several risk factors for the cardiac syndrome.

• Being older than 60
• being male
• Heart disease
• A family history involving fainting or heart conditions

Orthostatic Syncope

Orthostatic Syncope is caused when blood pressure drops while you stand. Gravitation’s effects cause the blood pressure to drop.

Normally, your brain stabilizes this. This isn’t possible in orthostatic synchrony. It can also cause fainting.

Syncope can be treated by finding the root cause. The South Valley Neurology certified neurologists have the expertise and resources to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide a treatment plan.