Recurrent fainting spells: what to know

Fainting, or syncope, is a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, usually followed by recovery. Standing for long periods, heat, pain, fear, dehydration, or a sudden drop in blood pressure can trigger it. Anaemia, Hypoglycaemia, and heart rhythm problems such as Atrial Fibrillation may also contribute. The warning pattern matters: nausea or warmth before collapse differs from fainting during exertion or without warning, which can point to a more urgent cause.

Lie flat with legs raised if possible, loosen tight clothing, and remain still until fully alert. If someone is unconscious, check breathing, protect them from injury, and place them on their side if breathing normally; call emergency services if they do not quickly wake or are not breathing normally. Write down posture, activity, warning symptoms, duration, injuries, recovery, food and fluid intake, and witness observations. Avoid driving, heights, and swimming alone until assessed.

Call emergency services for fainting during exercise, chest pain, palpitations, severe breathlessness, serious injury, seizure-like movements, prolonged confusion, or failure to wake. Seek prompt assessment for a first episode, repeated episodes, fainting while lying down, or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Dehydration or missed meals may be involved, but should not be assumed without review.

Ask whether you need an ECG, blood tests, medication review, or heart monitoring, and when it is safe to drive, exercise, work at height, or bathe alone.