What should you know about situational syncope treatment?

Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness caused by temporarily reduced blood flow to the brain. It can follow prolonged standing, heat, pain, fear, seeing blood, straining or sudden illness. Warning symptoms may include nausea, sweating, warmth, blurred vision or light-headedness. Fainting can also relate to dehydration, anaemia, low blood sugar or a heart rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation, so the context and recovery matter.

Lay the person flat and raise the legs if there is no injury or breathing problem. Loosen tight clothing, keep the area clear and check breathing. Do not give food or drink until the person is fully alert. Rise slowly after recovery, avoid the known trigger while awaiting advice, and arrange a clinical assessment, especially after a first episode. Note what happened before, during and after the blackout.

Call emergency services if fainting occurs during exercise, with chest pain, severe breathlessness, palpitations, major injury, prolonged confusion, seizure-like movements or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Seek urgent assessment for repeated episodes, fainting without warning, pregnancy, bleeding, or a known heart condition. Do not drive until a clinician has advised you.

Ask which examinations or heart tests are needed, whether medicines or fluid intake could contribute, and how to recognise your warning symptoms. Explain your posture, trigger, injuries, recovery and any witness account.