Fainting
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Syncope is the
temporary loss of consciousness due to a sudden decline in blood
flow to the brain. It may be caused by an irregular cardiac rate or
rhythm or by changes of blood volume or distribution. Syncope can
occur in otherwise healthy people. The patient feels faint, dizzy,
or lightheaded (presyncope), or loses consciousness (syncope).
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Non-cardiac syncope
is treated acutely by lying down with the legs elevated. Infrequent episodes
of non-cardiac syncope usually do not require treatment.
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Syncope is a dramatic event and can even be
life-threatening if not treated appropriately. Generally, however,
recovery is usually complete within minutes to hours.
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The NINDS supports and conducts studies aimed at
understanding conditions such as "neurocardiogenic syncope." The
goals of these studies are to clarify the mechanisms of these
conditions and to find ways to prevent and treat them.
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHBLI)
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