Difference between fainting and passing out

The words alone cannot identify the cause. Details such as what happened before the event, how long unresponsiveness lasted, movements during it, injury, and recovery pattern help a clinician distinguish fainting from other blackouts.

If someone feels faint, help them lie flat and raise their legs if no injury prevents this. Loosen tight clothing, provide fresh air, and keep them still until fully alert. If they are unconscious, check breathing and seek emergency help if they do not wake promptly or are not breathing normally. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious person. After recovery, arrange medical advice for a first episode, repeated episodes, or an episode without a clear trigger.

Seek emergency care after fainting during exercise, while lying down, or with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, significant injury, prolonged confusion, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, or a severe headache. Urgent assessment is also needed if the person is pregnant, has known heart disease, or the event involved shaking that does not fit the usual brief pattern of fainting.

Ask what causes are most relevant in your situation, whether blood pressure should be checked lying and standing, whether an electrocardiogram or blood tests are appropriate, and how to reduce the chance of another episode. Bring a witness's description and a list of medicines, supplements, fluid intake, and recent illness.