Synonyms in a broader sense
- Fainting fit
- Unconsciousness
- Blackout
- Collapse
- Collapse
The term “syncopation/failure” describes a sudden loss of consciousness due to a momentary undersupply of blood to the brain. The causes of fainting are varied and range from harmless to life-threatening and may require extensive clarification.
Definition
Syncope is a short-term loss of consciousness caused by a brain circulation not adapted to the current state of activity. The supporting and holding muscles of the affected person lose tension, which can lead to falls. After restoration of an adequate blood supply to the brain, the unconsciousness ends independently.
Frequency
The frequency of fainting fits is stated at 0.7% per year, the most common cause being defective regulation of the autonomic nervous system (vegetative or vasovagal syncope).
Causes
The cause of fainting (syncope) can be any state of the body in which there is a sudden reduction in blood flow to the brain, resulting in an undersupply of oxygen and nutrients. These include organ systems: Short-term fainting/unconsciousness can also be caused by other disease mechanisms, which should be diagnostically excluded. These include, for example, metabolic disorders such as hypoglycaemia, epileptic seizures, poisoning, derailment of the mineral balance, etc.
- Heart: Reduced pumping capacity due to e.g. a heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, heart muscle diseases, pulmonary embolism, pericardial effusion, narrowing of the outflow pathways in the lungs and body, etc.
- Brain: Local flow obstructions, e.g. in the context of calcification of the cerebral vessels, stroke and precancerous stages, cerebral pressure increase, rarely also tapping syndromes, in which blood supply needed in other parts of the body is diverted from the brain.
- Circulation: “orthostatic dysregulation” (a slower adaptation of heart rate and blood pressure when changing position lying down/sitting standing), low blood pressure, reduced blood return to the heart, e.g. due to stool/urine pressure (increased pressure in the thorax restricts the return to the heart) or in pregnant women due to the pressure of the uterus on the lower vena cava in the supine position; blood loss.
- Vegetative nervous system: vegetative syncope
- Medication: Especially blood pressure lowering medication can cause fainting if the “attitude” is too strict.
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