FAINTING SYNCOPE Dr Monica B Casualty medical officer

FAINTING (SYNCOPE) Dr. Monica B. Casualty medical officer K. R. Hospital

WHAT IS FAINTING? Fainting is a sudden loss of consciousness, usually temporary and typically caused by a lack of oxygen in the brain.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

FAINTING �Blood supply to brain is momentarily inadequate. �Loss of conscious is temporary. �Could be of no medical significance or can be a serious medical disorder.

SYMPTOMS �Dizziness �Weakness �Sweating �Blurred vision, seeing spots �Headache

SYMPTOMS �Sensation that the room is moving �Ringing in the ears. �Nausea, vomiting �Paleness

SYMPTOMS �Tingling or numbness of fingertips and around lips �Bluish cast to the skin �Shortness of breath

PHYSICAL TRIGGERS �Heat syncope �Hypoglycemia �Suffocation �Dehydration �Exercise �Orthostatic

HEAT SYNCOPE �Physical exersion when it is hot. �Body in an effort to cool itself, causes the blood vessels to dilate to such an extent that blood flow to the brain is reduced.

FIRST AID BACK

SUFFOCATION �If oxygen levels are below 16% at atmospheric pressure most people faint due to hypoxia. �If oxygen levels fall below 11% individuals may die by suffocation

FIRST AID Bring the person to a well ventillated area. Make him lie down Loosen tight clothings like tie, belt, etc. BACK

EXERCISE RELATED COLLAPSE �Dehydration �Hypoglycemia �Heat syncope �Orthostatic

FIRST AID Stop exercising and rest. Give some water or water enhanced with electrolytes. Provide a small snack that is high in carbohydrates or sugar. Shift to cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Check for injury Seek medical attention. BACK

ORTHOSTATIC �Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, occurs when a person's blood pressure falls when suddenly standing up from a lying or sitting position. �Standing for long periods.

CARDIOGENIC �Tachycardia �Bradycardia �Arrhythmias �Heart block

FIRST AID When a person feels faint: �Make them sit down and ask to place their head between the knees.

FIRST AID Place the patient on back. Raise their legs about 12 inches (30 centimeters) above heart level Try to loosen all belts, ties, collars and restrictive clothing When the person comes round do not let them get up too quickly If they remain unconscious for more than about a minute, put the patient into the recovery position and get emergency medical help

RECOVERY POSITION

RECOVERY POSITION �Kneel on the floor to one side of the person. Place the person’s arm that is nearest you at a right angle to their body, so that it is bent at the elbow with the hand pointing upwards.

Gently pick up their other hand with your palm against theirs (palm to palm). Now place the back of their hand onto their opposite cheek Use your other arm to reach across to the person’s knee that is furthest from you, and pull it up so that their leg is bent and their foot is flat on the floor.

Gently pull their knee towards you so that they roll over onto their side, facing you. Move the bent leg that is nearest to you, in front of their body so that it is resting on the floor.

Gently raise their chin to tilt their head back slightly, as this will open up their airway and help them to breathe. Check that nothing is blocking their airway. If there is an obstruction, such as food in their mouth, remove this if you can do so safely. BACK

HYPOGLYCEMIA

FIRST AID �Make them lie down �Give some glucose/sugary items like fruit or juice. BACK

DEHYDRATION

FIRST AID Shift the patient to cooler, well ventillated room. Give water with electrolytes. Visit hospital

EMOTIONAL STRESS �When you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. �It may also be called neurocardiogenic syncope.

FIRST AID �If they are feeling dizzy let them lie down. OR �Make them sit down and ask to place their head between the knees. �Shift to safer place.

HYPERVENTILLATION �Unnaturally fast deep breathing �Anxiety �Feeling faint �Trembling or tingling in the hands �Muscle cramps in the hands and feet

HYPERVENTILLATION

FIRST AID

ANEMIA

FIRST AID Make the patient lie down Take them to hospital

PREGNANCY

�Low BP �Dehydration �Hypoglycemia �Anemia �Growing uterus.

PREVENTING �Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand, make sure that you keep your feet moving to help increase circulation �Get up slowly from either sitting or lying down. �Avoid long periods between meals. �Avoid lying on your back once you reach the middle of your second trimester �Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid restricting circulation

EATING DISORDER �Anorexia nervosa �Bulimia nervosa

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

BULIMIA NERVOSA

WHAT CAN YOU DO? �FIRST AID �COUNSELLING

Dr. MONICA