Sometimes the cause is shock at the news of a sudden death… Sometimes, extreme fear in any event or nervous breakdowns… Rarely, coughing, urination, even repeated laughter can be responsible… The eyes suddenly darken and the person falls to the ground between astonished looks. piling up! The name of this problem, which can develop at almost any age and in any environment; ‘syncope’, known in society as fainting!
Fainting; It is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness resulting from a temporary decrease in blood flow or oxygenation of the brain. According to the studies; cessation of cerebral blood flow for 6-8 seconds or systolic (high blood pressure) blood pressure falling below 66 mmHg may lead to unconsciousness. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç pointed out that although it is usually caused by simple and preventable causes, fainting can sometimes be a sign of serious diseases such as heart rhythm problems and vascular occlusions in the brain. In case of recurrent fainting, a doctor should be consulted. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç explained the reasons for fainting; made important recommendations and warnings.
CARDIAC DISEASES
Cardiovascular diseases such as vascular occlusion, stiffness and rupture are among the first causes of fainting. For example, when the heart vessel is clogged, the pumping function of the heart is impaired, and as a result, blood flow to the brain decreases. This picture also leads to loss of consciousness. If the underlying factor of fainting cannot be determined to be of cardiac origin, the disease progresses and life-threatening consequences such as a heart attack may develop.
Arrhythmia, in other words, irregular heart rhythm is one of the most dangerous causes of fainting. The most common cause of fainting in the elderly is loss of consciousness due to the low blood pressure called “orthostatic” and caused by standing up suddenly or standing up on the floor. The reason for this is the increase in the risk of atherosclerosis with advanced age and the rapid decrease in blood pressure with sudden movements due to the use of multiple drugs (especially diuretic drugs). Dr. For this reason, Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç warns that sudden movements, especially getting out of bed, should be avoided.
REFLEXES
Sometimes, our unexpected reflexes can rarely result in fainting. Stimuli such as sneezing, coughing, crying, urinating, excessive fear or repeated laughter can reduce the amount of oxygen going to the brain, causing fainting. Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç stated that reflex-induced fainting occurs most frequently during urination and said, “For example, holding the toilet for a long time without satisfying the need, and then urinating quickly with a full bladder reduces the amount of oxygen going to the brain, especially in people with low blood pressure. As a result, fainting occurs.”
BRAIN AND vascular occlusions
Brain and vascular occlusions are one of the serious causes of fainting. Fainting develops especially in large vessel occlusions. Neurologist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç, if fainting is accompanied by facial asymmetry or weakness in one arm and/or leg; He warns that cerebrovascular diseases such as clotting, occlusion, aneurysm or bleeding should be considered.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
hypoglycemia; It is defined as a situation where blood sugar, in other words, glucose level, is lower than the ideal value. Fainting is a common problem in diabetic patients with hypoglycemia. Loss of consciousness is also accompanied by sweating and dry mouth. Neurologist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç, noting that fainting attacks are common especially in low blood sugar, says, “Sometimes, low blood sugar is very serious and can cause epileptic seizures and cause loss of consciousness.”
POISONING
Neurologist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç draws attention to the fact that respiratory poisoning can often cause fainting, and says, “These can be toxic chemical gases, household cleaning products and dyestuffs.”
EPILEPSY
Neurologist Dr. Pointing out that epilepsy is one of the relatively common and serious causes of fainting, Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç continues: “Loss of consciousness occurs due to electrical discharge in the brain. Fainting is usually accompanied by twitching or throwing of the arms and legs, biting the tongue, wheezing, and urinary incontinence. Although loss of consciousness is not permanent, injuries due to physical accidents during the seizure and long-term seizures; Permanent problems such as respiratory distress, hypoxia and cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction may develop.
SIDE EFFECTS OF DRUGS
The side effects of some medications can also cause fainting. For this reason, the drugs used by people who have fainting problems should be checked. The patient’s history and examination are the most important steps in the diagnosis. Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç says, “Drug interactions should be well questioned in order to prevent fainting attacks, and if drugs are to be used for another reason, these drugs must be shown to the physician.”
EMOTIONAL (EMOTIONAL) STRESS
While emotional, in other words, emotional stress is a picture that can heal itself, it can cause serious physical trauma during fainting and lead to bad results. Fainting occurs when the blood flow in the brain decreases as a result of factors such as shock due to the sudden loss of a loved one or excessive anxiety and fear in any situation. Neurologist Dr. Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç said, “The existence of another underlying problem in fainting is questioned. If no problems are detected, a diagnosis of ’emotional stress-induced fainting’ is made,” he says.