Loss of bladder control when fainting

A faint happens when the brain briefly receives too little blood flow, often after standing, heat, pain, fear, dehydration, or not eating. Leakage may happen when muscle control is briefly lost. Other contributors include anaemia, hypoglycaemia, or a heart rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation. A seizure can also cause loss of awareness and bladder leakage, so the account of warning symptoms, movements, skin colour, tongue injury, and recovery is useful.

Place the person on their back and raise their legs if there is no injury and they are breathing normally. Loosen tight clothing, keep the area safe, and do not give food or drink until they are fully alert. If they are vomiting or not fully awake, place them on their side and monitor breathing. Note what happened before, during, and after the event, including any shaking or leakage.

Call emergency services if the person is not breathing normally, does not regain awareness, has chest pain, severe headache, an injury, repeated episodes, prolonged shaking, or weakness affecting one side. Arrange prompt medical assessment after a first blackout, unexplained leakage, fainting during exercise, or an episode with palpitations.

Describe posture, triggers, food and fluid intake, medicines, warning feelings, duration of unresponsiveness, movements, leakage, injuries, and recovery. Ask whether heart rhythm, blood tests, glucose, or neurological assessment is needed.