Evaluating & Treating Syncope in Northern California
Syncope, or fainting, refers to a sudden loss of consciousness (passing out). This occurs when there is reduced blood flow to the brain. In most cases, a person experiencing syncope will regain consciousness quickly. However, it may be necessary to go to an emergency room (ER) under the following circumstances:
- You have a family history of recurrent syncope, exercise syncope, or sudden death
- Syncope accompanied with heart problems, such as heart palpitations
- Multiple episodes of fainting during a short period of time
- Syncope that happens with exercise
These situations can signal potentially life-threatening conditions. In any of these events, call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance right away. Use InQuicker to select your estimated arrival time at a Dignity Health North State ER. Our doctors offer fast, compassionate care to treat all causes of syncope in Northern California.
Syncope Symptoms
When meeting with an emergency are provider, be sure to give as much detail as possible about the circumstances surrounding the fainting episode(s). Tell the doctor or nurse about any medications you are taking, if you were exercising or standing for a long time, or if you were in an emotional situation. This will help your provider make a diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of fainting include:
- Seeing black around the edges of your vision
- Tunnel vision
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Sense of warmth
- Feeling lightheaded
- Tingling sensation in your fingertips or lips
These symptoms can happen before or during the episode of syncope. For a diagnosis and personalized care, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health North State.
Syncope Causes
The causes of fainting are centered around the loss of blood flow to the brain. A range of situations and conditions can cause this, including:
- Low blood pressure (the most common cause)
- Low blood sugar
- Severe pain
- Medications
- Emotional stress, such as extreme fear
- Dehydration
- Exhaustion
- Overheating
- Sudden changes in your posture that causes blood to pool in your legs
- Anemia
- Standing for a long period of time
- Hyperventilation
In some cases, syncope is the result of an underlying heart condition, such as:
- Heart attack
- Heart valve disease
- Arrhythmia
- Heart muscle disease
- Structural heart problems, including congenital heart disease
Syncope Treatment at Dignity Health North State
Treatment for syncope depends on the cause and its severity. Providers at Dignity Health North State use diagnostic tests, including stress tests and electrocardiograms (EKGs), to diagnose the causes of fainting. Risk factors for syncope include your age and gender, the cause, and other medical conditions you may have.
For more information about diagnosis and treatment, visit Dignity Health North State. We offer personal care with humankindness at these hospitals in Northern California:
Dignity Health North State provides emergency care services for fainting in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.