What should you know about neuro cardio syncope?

Syncope is another word for fainting. In neurocardiogenic syncope, the nervous system overreacts to a trigger such as prolonged standing, heat, emotional distress, pain, or seeing blood. Blood briefly pools in the legs, the heart pumps less effectively, and the brain receives less blood for a short time.

Warning symptoms may include warmth, nausea, sweating, light-headedness, blurred or narrowing vision, and weakness. Some people faint without much warning. A faint usually ends quickly when the person lies flat, but a fall can cause injury. Fainting can also have other causes, including dehydration, low blood sugar, anaemia, or an abnormal heart rhythm, so the circumstances matter.

At the first warning, lie down and raise your legs if you can. If lying down is not possible, sit and lower your head between your knees. Loosen tight clothing, move away from heat, and do not try to walk until you feel steady.

If someone has fainted, place them on their back, check that they are breathing normally, and protect them from further injury. Do not give food or drink until they are fully awake. Arrange medical advice after an unexplained faint, especially if it is a first episode or happens repeatedly. A clinician may ask about the trigger, position, warning symptoms, medicines, and family history.

Seek emergency help if the person does not wake promptly, is not breathing normally, has chest pain, severe breathlessness, a severe headache, a new weakness, confusion, or a serious injury. Urgent assessment is also needed when fainting occurs during exercise, while lying down, or with a racing or irregular heartbeat.

Book a medical appointment for any unexplained or repeated faint. Keep a note of what happened before and after the event, including food and fluid intake, heat exposure, medicines, and recovery time. This helps distinguish a reflex faint from a heart, metabolic, or neurological problem.

Ask: What trigger or condition could explain this episode? Do I need an ECG, blood tests, or blood-pressure checks lying and standing? Could any medicine, dehydration, or missed meal have contributed? What warning signs should prompt emergency help, and how can I reduce the chance of another faint?