Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have syncope (fainting episodes)?
Syncope – the transient loss of consciousness – is always a frightening event,
and is sometimes life-threatening. People who have syncope need a thoughtful and complete
evaluation by their doctor in order to find the cause of their blackouts.
Most people who faint have a relatively benign condition called “vasovagal syncope,” which is essentially a neurological reflex that causes a sudden pooling of blood in the legs. (Blood pooling in the legs does not return to the heart, so the amount of blood being pumped by the heart drops off, and fainting occurs. When the victim falls down, gravity no longer holds blood in the legs, and consciousness returns.) Vasovagal syncope can usually be managed adequately by relatively simple measures, and only rarely leads to serious problems.
However, there are several causes of syncope that are far more serious – including potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias.
Thus, it is very important to pin down a diagnosis in patients with syncope. Unfortunately, many doctors find the evaluation of syncope to be quite confusing and difficult, and they respond by doing a poor job.
For this reason, it is often important for patients with syncope to understand as much as they can about this condition, so they can assure themselves that their doctors are doing an adequate job in evaluating and treating them. To this end, we have provided a 3-part series of articles on syncope, aimed at people who have had syncope, or their loved ones. Especially pay attention to the article entitled, When to Fire Your Doctor as, unfortunately, this is often a necessary step in receiving an adequate evaluation. Also, have a look at this memorable thread from our forum in which a forum member is actually encouraged to fire his doctor, does so, and finally receives adequate therapy for his syncope.
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