What is the medical word for fainting?

A person with syncope often becomes pale, feels warm or light-headed, and loses muscle tone before recovering on their own. The episode can follow standing for a long time, heat, pain, fear, dehydration, or not eating. Some episodes relate to a heart rhythm problem, anaemia, or low blood sugar, so the context matters.

Syncope is different from a seizure, although shaking can occasionally occur during a faint. A clinician may ask what happened before, during, and after the event, including warning symptoms, injuries, medicines, and family history.

Lay the person flat and raise their legs if there is no suspected injury. Loosen tight clothing, provide fresh air, and check that they are breathing normally. Do not give food or drink until they are fully alert. Once recovered, sit up slowly and avoid driving, swimming alone, heights, or operating machinery until the cause has been assessed.

Call emergency services if the person does not wake promptly, has trouble breathing, chest pain, severe headache, new weakness, an irregular pounding heartbeat, a serious injury, or repeated episodes. Urgent assessment is also appropriate when fainting occurs during exercise, while lying down, or without any warning. Arrange a medical review after a first unexplained faint.

Ask whether your episode fits syncope and whether you need an examination, blood tests, or a heart rhythm check. Mention any new medicine, reduced fluid intake, bleeding, palpitations, or relatives with sudden heart problems. Ask when it is safe to drive and which warning signs should prompt immediate help.