Causes of loss of consciousness during sleep. Why people faint - causes of sudden loss of consciousness

Sudden loss of consciousness, which may be caused by a traumatic brain injury, an epileptic seizure, or sudden changes in pressure, is a malfunction of the central nervous system. When someone faints, a person loses his balance, falls and remains motionless for some time, not reacting to touches, screams, or clapping.

Spontaneous loss or loss of consciousness is divided into short-term and persistent forms, somatogenic and neurogenic origin. The first type of syndrome does not pose any particular danger to the victim, lasts from 2-3 seconds to 4 minutes and most often does not require medical intervention.

It is observed in the following conditions of the human body:

Sudden fainting.
Epileptic seizures.
Hypoglycemia: reduction in plasma glucose.
Disruption of normal blood flow: due to lack of oxygen, fatigue.
Sudden changes in pressure.
Concussion of the “gray matter”.

Persistent fainting and long-term loss of consciousness occurs with the most serious consequences for a person. Even if timely assistance is provided, such conditions are dangerous for the patient’s life.

Such pathologies include:

fluctuations in heart rate or complete stop;
ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhages;
damage to a vessel aneurysm;
Fainting can be caused by different types of shock;
severe form of TBI;
severe intoxication of the body;
excessive blood loss, organ damage;
fainting is provoked by various forms of asphyxia, pathologies arising from lack of oxygen;
state of coma (diabetic).

A state of prolonged fainting of a neurogenic nature is observed in primary autonomic pathology of the peripheral type. The syndrome is chronic and is represented by orthostatic idiopathic hypotension, as well as systemic atrophy.

Vascular aneurysms - a condition that provokes loss of consciousness

Persistent or short-term loss of consciousness of a somatic nature is diagnosed in the picture of peripheral secondary failure. The condition occurs in an acute form, noted in the presence of somatic pathologies: diabetes, amyloidosis, alcohol abuse, chronic kidney failure, bronchial carcinoma, porphoria.

Dizziness due to fainting is accompanied by other symptoms: fixed heart rate, anhidrosis.

In general, various circumstances can provoke a sudden fall:

Severe overheating or hypothermia.
Lack of fresh air.
Shock after injury, unbearable pain.
Nervous tension or stress.

Fainting and its causes may be associated with oxygen deprivation due to intoxication, suffocation, diabetes, uremia or hypoglycemia. Short attacks often occur as a result of head injury, hemorrhages of various origins, poisoning, external and superficial extensive bleeding, and heart disease.

Forms of pathological syndrome

Why a person faints must be found out after the first attack. Indeed, in this state the patient risks injury. The syndrome may indicate the presence of a serious illness.

After the first attack, it is necessary to establish the cause

At the initial stages of diagnosis, the form of the pathology is determined. Depending on the cause of fainting, the following types are distinguished:

Neurogenic condition – disturbance of the conductivity of nerve endings:

emotiogenic – strong unexpected emotions (painful sensations, fear);
maladaptive – appears when there is a change in adaptation to external factors (overheating, increased stress);
dyscirculatory – short-term disturbance of cerebral circulation (when the neck is turned, the vertebral vessels feeding the “gray matter” become bent).

Somatogenic condition – associated with pathologies of internal systems other than the brain:

cardiogenic – occurs when there are interruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle, a short-term stop;
anemic condition - associated with the loss of red blood cells in the blood plasma and hemoglobin;
hypoglycemic phenomenon - may occur as a result of a drop in glucose.

Extreme loss of consciousness - occurs under the influence of third-party factors:

hypoxic – develops with low oxygen content in the air;
hypovolemic – occurs when blood volume decreases due to burns or significant blood loss;
intoxication loss of consciousness – develops as a result of oversaturation of the body with harmful substances (poisoning with alcoholic drinks, medications);
drug pathology – the result of taking medications that lower blood pressure;
hyperbaric loss of consciousness - develops at high pressure in the atmosphere.

The causes of fainting in people can be different, but depending on their origin, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment. In case of repeated attacks, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination to exclude or confirm the presence of a serious disease.

Basic diagnostic methods

Fainting itself is easy to establish - the absence of any reaction to irritating factors, pain, immobility (except for convulsions) makes it possible to quickly determine the problem. But finding out the causes of loss of consciousness is often quite difficult. For this, various diagnostic methods are used:

Familiarization with the medical history, during which the doctor can determine the presence of pathologies that can cause an attack or the use of drugs that lower blood pressure or have a negative effect on the central nervous system. Irritating factors are determined - being in a stuffy room, physical and mental fatigue, hot weather.
Laboratory testing:

a general examination of blood plasma makes it possible to determine the presence of anemia;
Glucose testing helps determine whether a patient is suffering from hyper- or hypoglycemia.

Instrumental examination:

ECG (presence of heart muscle blockade, arrhythmias);
Ultrasound of the heart muscle (valve condition, contraction frequency);
Dopplerography of blood vessels - the presence or absence of an obstacle to normal blood circulation;
magnetic resonance diagnostics and CT (damage to “gray matter” tissue).

The consequences of loss of consciousness in a person are severe metabolic disorders in brain cells, which negatively affect not only the performance of the organ in the form of impaired memory, attention, and mental problems, but also affect the smooth functioning of the internal systems of the body.

It is necessary to check the heart muscle

Symptoms of fainting

People who have attacks quite often can easily sense an impending crisis. Symptoms of fainting can be different, but the main ones are considered to be:

nausea, dizziness;
cold clammy sweat;
weakness, disorientation;
pallor of the epidermis;
extraneous noise in the ears, white spots before the eyes.

Symptoms and signs of loss of consciousness: gray complexion, low blood pressure, barely palpable pulse, tachycardia or bradycardia, dilated pupils.

After a fall, the patient most often comes to his senses within 2-3 seconds. During prolonged attacks, convulsions and uncontrolled release of urine may occur. This type of fainting is sometimes confused with an epileptic seizure.

The causes of the syndrome must be identified in a timely manner in order to treat the disease in the early stages of its development. Late diagnosis can significantly complicate the course of the pathology.

Weakness and dizziness are signs of loss of consciousness

Fainting in pregnant women

A woman expecting a child should not normally experience a sudden loss of consciousness. Although during pregnancy there are many irritating factors that can suffocate the blood flow to the brain. The uterus, under the pressure of the fetus, stretches and puts pressure on the internal systems and organs, thereby provoking stagnation of blood, impairing normal circulation.

To avoid losing consciousness, pregnant women are not recommended to:

Bend down, forward.
Wear tight underwear and clothes.
Squeeze your throat with scarves and tight collars.
Sleep on your back at night.

After labor, the cause of fainting, which is hidden in the changes occurring in the body during this period of time, is no longer observed. But a sudden drop in pressure can cause a similar condition.

The second reason why people faint in an “interesting position” is low hemoglobin. When carrying a child, there is an increased consumption of iron. After childbirth, anemia can only gain momentum. For these purposes, doctors prescribe medications containing this trace element.

During pregnancy, a woman may lose consciousness

Hypoglycemia as a cause of syncope

Pathology that occurs when there is insufficient glucose in the blood plasma. The causes of fainting are: poor diet, dehydration, increased physical and mental activity, chronic diseases, alcohol abuse.

With hypoglycemia, fainting has symptoms such as:

excessive overexcitation, anxiety, aggressiveness, feelings of fear and anxiety;
severe sweating, rapid heartbeat, tachycardia;
dilated pupils, muscle tremors during fainting;
visual impairment;
pallor of the skin during fainting;
high blood pressure;
severe dizziness, pulsating spasms;
problems with coordination when fainting;
circulatory and respiratory disorders.

Hypoglycemia, with its rapid development, can cause neurogenic loss of consciousness in people with a predisposition to it or lead to a comatose and soporous pathological state.

Critical blood sugar levels cause syncope

Fainting syndrome in women

In past centuries, many ladies could fall or lose consciousness due to tight corsets, squeezing the ribs and preventing normal breathing, as well as poor nutrition and lack of iron in the blood.

Nowadays, representatives of the fair sex most often lose their balance due to menstruation. The causes of loss of consciousness and fainting are:

Neglecting the use of iron-containing medications during menstruation, which prevents the development of severe anemia against the background of heavy bleeding.
The presence of hormonal or gynecological diseases that disrupt the contractile functions of the maca, causing pain during menstruation, relieved by taking Indomethacin.

If unpleasant discomfort significantly complicates your life, you should ask your doctor what fainting is and what causes it. A person who has lost consciousness must undergo a comprehensive examination to exclude the presence of serious pathologies.

Loss of iron on critical days can result in fainting

Brain injuries

TBI is damage to soft tissues (nerve endings, blood vessels, membranes) or bones of the skull. Depending on the severity of the damage during loss of consciousness, there are several types of brain injuries:

concussion of the “gray matter” – damage without pronounced disturbances in the functioning of the organ; signs of fainting that appear immediately after a head injury either disappear after a few days or indicate the presence of more serious problems; the main criteria for fainting are its duration (from 3 seconds to 2-3 hours) and the depth of loss of consciousness, amnesia;
bruise of the “gray matter” - moderate, mild and severe forms of the pathological condition are distinguished;
compression of the brain - can be observed in the presence of a foreign body, hematoma;
axonal diffuse damage;
subarachnoid type of hemorrhage.

When fainting as a result of a skull injury, characteristic symptoms are present: coma, stupor, damage to nerve endings, hemorrhages. A fallen person must be urgently hospitalized for emergency medical care.

Treatment of fainting

Before qualified doctors arrive, the victim must receive emergency assistance. The person near the victim must know what to do if he loses consciousness. If the patient faints, a number of measures should be taken, as a result of which the person should regain consciousness:

Protect the person from possible injuries, paying special attention to the head.
During fainting, place the victim on a comfortable, level couch.
Raise your legs slightly higher than your body.
If you faint, remove tight, uncomfortable items.
Place the victim on his side, not on his back (as relaxed muscle tissue of the tongue can disrupt the breathing process).
Ensure normal air circulation in the room in which the patient is located.
During menstrual bleeding, a hot heating pad should not be applied to the stomach.

A person can faint for various reasons, but if such a condition lasts more than 5-7 minutes, is accompanied by involuntary release of urine, convulsions, it is necessary to urgently call an emergency medical team.

A sudden loss of consciousness can catch the victim anywhere; the main thing is not to get confused and promptly provide first aid before qualified doctors arrive.

When a person constantly experiences fainting, the method of treatment will depend on the reasons that provoke its development. If a pathological syndrome occurs against the background of any disease, the goal of complex therapy is to eliminate the disease itself. For effective treatment of the syndrome, medications that improve brain nutrition are often prescribed.

Adaptogen substances allow a person to get used to climate conditions. If you lose consciousness as a result of poor nutrition, you should supplement your diet with healthy foods and give up strict diets.

First steps in case of fainting

If a representative of the fairer sex experiences fainting during heavy bleeding during menstruation, it is necessary to use medications that facilitate this process. When the syndrome is observed as a result of urinary incontinence at night, he needs to stop drinking water 2-3 hours before bedtime.

A victim who has come to his senses after fainting should not be given nitroglycerin if his heart hurts or tingles. It can sharply lower blood pressure, causing repeated loss of consciousness. Often, the pathological condition is observed against the background of hypotension, in which nitrate-based drugs are strictly contraindicated for the patient.

Prevention of pathological condition

Treatment of fainting sometimes takes quite a long time. In some cases, it can be prevented if the syndrome is not associated with a serious illness. Simple prevention methods:

proper, balanced nutrition during fainting: eating foods with a high amount of fiber (greens, fresh fruits, vegetables), it is better to steam food without hot spices;
Divide meals into small parts (up to 6 times/day);
feasible physical and mental stress when fainting: visiting the pool, jogging;
giving up cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.

In case of fainting and an unsuccessful fall, some complications may develop: traumatic brain injuries, fractures, disruption of work activity. As a result of complications, the patient cannot lead his usual lifestyle.

Fainting is a rather dangerous symptom, indicating the presence of serious disorders in the human body. Providing first aid should begin urgently - the eyewitness does not have time to think. The sooner a person begins resuscitation procedures, the greater the chance of a full recovery for the victim.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

This article will discuss a condition that occurs in approximately thirty percent of healthy people at least once during their lifetime. This - loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness is a condition during which a person lies motionless, does not respond to questions and does not perceive what is happening... the site) will help you find out from this article.

Loss of consciousness is a mild form of acute cerebrovascular insufficiency. It is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. Loss of consciousness occurs when nervous activity is disrupted. This disorder is accompanied by a cessation or a significant decrease in the body’s response to external irritation and to a person’s perception of the sensations of his own body.

What are the causes of loss of consciousness?

You know, there are quite a lot of them. However, they are all connected by one common feature - brain damage.

Brain damage may result from direct exposure. This could be a head injury, hemorrhage, electrical injury, poisoning. It is quite possible that the brain may be damaged by indirect exposure. This may be bleeding, fainting, shock, heart disease. Very often, people lose consciousness when exposed to heat or cold for a long time. For example, in case of heat stroke or freezing. Loss of consciousness can also occur if there is insufficient oxygen in a person’s blood. Most often this happens due to suffocation or poisoning. Metabolic disorders due to fever or diabetes can also cause loss of consciousness.

Signs

Loss of consciousness does not occur suddenly. Most often, the human body shows the first signs in the form of dizziness, lightheadedness, ringing in the ears, severe weakness, yawning, darkening of the eyes, cold sweat, nausea, as well as a feeling of emptiness in the head. The person may also experience numbness in the limbs. It is quite possible that intestinal activity will increase.

The person begins to turn pale, his pulse weakens, and his blood pressure decreases. The eyes first wander, then close, and a loss of consciousness occurs, which lasts for ten seconds. At this moment, muscle tone weakens and the person falls. After this, the person gradually begins to regain consciousness, his eyes open, breathing and cardiac activity stabilize. After a person comes to his senses, he remains alarmed for some time. He suffers from headache, weakness and malaise.

Types of loss of consciousness

There are four types of loss of consciousness. The first type is a sudden and short-term loss of consciousness. The second type refers to a sudden and prolonged loss of consciousness. The third type is a prolonged loss of consciousness with a gradual onset, and finally the fourth type is a loss of consciousness with an unknown onset and duration. The concept of “sudden and short-term” implies the duration of loss of consciousness. It can last from several seconds to several minutes. The term "gradual and continuous" suggests hours or days.

Treatment

As for the treatment of this condition, it involves treating the underlying disease and stopping the loss of consciousness itself. At the moment of loss of consciousness, a person needs to ensure maximum blood flow to the brain - lay the patient on his back and slightly lift his legs, turn his head to the side to prevent the tongue from sinking. Moreover, a person is offered special medications intended to stimulate vascular tone, as well as raise blood pressure.
Loss of consciousness is a fairly dangerous condition. Prevent its appearance and always be aware! Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Reviews

A month ago I was riding on a swing with a friend (very hard). I feel like my legs have come off the swing. I’m starting to come to my senses, the picture is becoming more accurate, but I can’t lift a finger or even move the pupil of my eye!!! And in the back and head there is a strong, but some kind of dull pain. It turned out that when I fell, I lost consciousness... Those who were nearby (my friends) told me that before I began to “come to my senses” I lay there for 30-60 seconds, not counting the moment when I started " see". The situation was also saved by the fact that I did not fall straight, but “rolled” with my back on the ground. A big problem appeared with my back... But I was surprised that there was no concussion, although my head hurt terribly for the first minute! Could this be? Answer who knows. Thanks in advance!

Since the 5th grade, I have periodically experienced loss of consciousness. this may be once a year. maybe two or three times. This mainly occurs in the morning while lying in bed and can be repeated several times in a row. I was examined by specialists, luminaries, and no one can determine anything. They say you need to do this during an attack. And how can this be done? After all, this can happen both at home and on the street. But amazing. what I feel. I feel like I’m about to fall: I feel nauseous and dizzy. The attack really only lasts a couple of seconds. Previously, during an attack, I was all wet. and then the vomiting started. It is typical that during an attack I always lie down on my stomach and my head is turned to the right, otherwise I cannot lie down. Thank you for reading my sad message. I don't know who can help me.

What are the causes of loss of consciousness
Carrying out indirect cardiac massage artificial respiration

A sudden loss of consciousness by a person, as a rule, is closely related to disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system. During this condition, people lose their balance and fall, unable to even move their limbs. During the period of loss of consciousness, only convulsions are possible. People in this state stop reacting to others, and also lose the ability to think logically and give answers to questions asked.

Reasons

Today, there are several known reasons that increase the risk of losing consciousness. Here is a list of the main causes of sudden loss of consciousness:

The first is a lack of blood supply to the brain;
The second is a lack of brain nutrition;
Third, low oxygen levels in the blood;
Fourth – incorrect work, which causes uncharacteristic discharges in the brain area.

These and other violations indicate possibly temporary illnesses or quite serious health problems.

Below these reasons will be discussed in more detail.

Lack of blood supply to the brain can occur:

This may be due to excessive functioning of the human autonomic system. Typically, such a reaction occurs due to external stimuli or unusual situations. For example: ordinary fear, various experiences, a small amount of oxygen in the human blood.
Problems in the field of cardiology can also cause this cause of loss of consciousness. This happens due to a decrease in cardiac blood output in the human body. Such cases quite often end in myocardial infarction. It also occurs due to abnormal rhythm of the heart. The problem may be caused by frequent nerve impulses that accompany the ventricles and atrium. After these troubles, as a rule, various types of pathologies arise. Interruptions during contractions are especially acute; organs do not receive the required amount of blood in a timely manner for their normal functioning. And all this significantly affects the functioning of the human brain.

By the way, on the cardiogram you can easily notice the consequences of the unnatural inflow and outflow of blood in the body. It clearly shows abnormal nerve processes in the ventricle area. However, they almost never cause loss of consciousness. Some people do not notice this problem and live as usual. All these causes and symptoms of fainting are worth knowing and being able to partially eliminate them on the spot!

Quite often people who have low blood pressure for a long time lose consciousness. People who have problems using antihypertensive medications are also at risk; older people are no exception to this. A sharp change in the position of a person’s body usually causes this. For example, you can suddenly stand up, that is, change a sitting or lying position. During the passivity of the limbs, the functioning of the vessels is delayed, and with rapid movement they are not able to quickly return to the desired shape. This is the reason for the decrease in blood pressure and blood flow to the body’s brain.
Loss of consciousness may also occur due to significant changes in large blood vessels. Since it is these vessels that feed the brain. This problem can lead to a disease called atherosclerosis. With this disease, the walls and lumens in the vessels are held together.
Also, quite often, loss of consciousness can be caused by the presence of blood clots. There is a possibility that they will partially or completely block the passage through the blood vessels. In most cases, blood clots form due to surgery. Quite often, this problem occurs after heart valve replacement surgery. It is curious that the occurrence of blood clots is observed at any age, so any person can develop them. People who are at risk of this type of blockage are prescribed special medications that should be taken on an ongoing basis. There are also cases when blood clots form in blood vessels due to improper functioning of the heart rhythm. For such problems, special medications are also prescribed.
Anaphylactic shock can also cause loss of consciousness. Such shock often occurs due to a fairly severe allergic reaction, which can be caused by any drug. Loss of consciousness can also be caused by infectious shock, which can occur after serious illnesses. This condition can cause dilation of the blood vessels in the area, which will lead to a significant increase in blood flow to the heart area. This reaction can be triggered by vasodilating components in medications. At the same time, the blood capillaries become permeable, as a result they begin to work with even greater force. All of the above reasons also disrupt blood flow to the human brain.

If a person discovers these symptoms, he immediately needs to seek help from a qualified specialist, who, in turn, will have to immediately conduct an examination and prescribe sensitive tests. Only after receiving all the results will it be possible to make an accurate diagnosis. As a result, the patient will need to undergo several procedures:

visit a specialist in neurology to determine the possible presence of vascular dystonia
Visit your primary care physician to determine the possibility of hypotension, a condition that can cause low blood pressure. Also, the doctor must carry out several procedures to identify the patient’s tendency to hypertension
It is imperative to undergo an ECHO procedure, in other words, an ultrasound of the heart, which will help determine the presence of any defects and heart failure.
there is an option that the patient will be offered a Doppler ultrasound to examine the vessels and various pathologies in them.

Loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen in the blood occurs in the following diseases:

Loss of consciousness in children and women for this reason is possible if the air that a person inhales does not contain the required amount of oxygen. Because of this, in stuffy rooms there is often a risk of fainting and dizziness.
Also, loss of consciousness in adolescents can be caused by various diseases in the lungs, one of such diseases is bronchial asthma. This problem especially concerns people who chronically suffer from such ailments. Frequent coughing can cause various disturbances in the mechanism of the lungs, due to which there is a significant lack of oxygen during inhalation. Also during this there is a possibility of insufficient cardiac output.
One of the common causes of loss of consciousness is anemia. As a result of low hemoglobin content in the blood, which should not fall below 70 g/l. However, fainting is also possible with high levels of this substance in the human body. But most often this happens in stuffy rooms.
Poisoning with poisonous oxygen oxide is also often the cause of loss of consciousness. This gas cannot be seen and is odorless and tasteless. Oxygen oxide can enter the body quite easily. For example, when heating a stove or while using gas with the hoods turned off. This gas also comes from car exhaust pipes, so it is not recommended to be in the car cabin if it is not ventilated. This gas enters the human lungs quite easily, after which it combines directly with hemoglobin. As a result, the paths for the passage of pure oxygen into the blood are closed. As a result, oxygen starvation occurs in the body. There is a possibility of problems with the heart.

To quickly solve problems with loss of consciousness for these reasons, you need to undergo a series of tests and undergo mandatory procedures. Thus, it is quite important:

take a general blood test. This will help to see the number and condition of all cells in the blood of the human body, such as red blood cells and hemoglobin. This test also checks whether the patient has asthma.
It is necessary to take an x-ray of the lungs. This procedure will help check the body for the presence of bronchitis and other diseases, as well as cancer changes.
spirography is also necessary. It will help determine the correctness of breathing and the force of a person’s exhalations.
You may need to see an allergy specialist. After all, most allergens in the external environment cause this condition.

Syncope when oxygen supply to the human brain is disrupted, mainly occurs in diabetes mellitus.

People suffering from diabetes may make a mistake and put the wrong dose of insulin into their body. Which leads to a significant decrease in blood sugar, resulting in a disruption of brain metabolism and erroneous receipt of nerve impulses.
Loss of consciousness is observed both with an excess amount of insulin in the body and with its deficiency. With a lack of insulin, the blood is saturated with a large amount of glucose, which harms many organs that are associated with these processes, resulting in a change in metabolism. Often, a person suffering for such reasons may smell unpleasantly of acetone vapor.

Lactic acid coma can also cause loss of consciousness. In this case, diseases that are associated with renal failure occur. The patient's blood is saturated with a huge mass of lactic acid. In this case, the smell of acetone is not felt.

In any case, it is necessary to check the patient for the presence of diabetes. To do this, you need to donate blood to a laboratory; this test must be taken on an empty stomach. This blood test will tell you a lot about the diseases of a person. For example, the analysis showed an increased glucose content in capillary blood, which means that insulin does not have much effect on suppressing its production. To clarify the diagnosis, another analysis needs to be performed. After donating blood on an empty stomach, as a rule, the patient is given a special dose of glucose solution to drink, after which the procedure is repeated. If glucose exceeds the norm, then the person definitely has diabetes.

The urine test also determines the presence of glucose. A healthy person cannot have this substance in the urine. To fully determine the diagnosis of diabetes, after carrying out the prescribed procedures for several weeks, doctors measure hemoglobin levels.

The pancreas is responsible for the production of insulin, so doctors often prescribe an ultrasound to patients. Such an examination helps to identify pathologies in this organ and helps to see the causes of this disease.

A failure in the transmission of impulses according to the axioms of the brain or the occurrence of pathological discharges in the neurons of the brain occurs in the following conditions:

1. This reason quite often causes a person to lose consciousness. He often has seizures that recur with a certain frequency. This happens thanks to neurons in the brain area. It is extremely easy to determine if a person is having a seizure; at this moment, periodic twitching of muscles that are in a tense state is observed.

2. Loss of consciousness due to traumatic brain injury as a result of strong blows to the head. At the same time, bruises, concussions, and tumors in the brain are possible. After such injuries, displacement of areas of both hemispheres of the brain is likely. Compression occurs, resulting in increased intracranial pressure. These processes significantly complicate the functioning of the human brain. If the blow was not strong and the damage was not significant, then consciousness will return within a few minutes and there will be no significant changes in the body. However, if severe injuries occur, swelling and rupture of some vessels may occur. In critical cases, the person may fall into a coma.

3. Any kind of stroke, such as ischemic or hemorrhagic, can also cause frequent fainting. These types have many differences among themselves. An ischemic stroke causes improper blood supply to the cerebral cortex, causing blockages. People often reach this state by taking low-quality alcohol in large doses or tinctures with a high percentage of alcohol. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs as a result of ruptures of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex. This causes bleeding in the brain, quite often leading to the death of the patient.

The two types of stroke have something in common; this is the reason for their occurrence. These diseases occur with constant surges in blood pressure, when it quickly rises and falls at the same speed. Therefore, it is necessary to be promptly examined for problems in this area.

First aid

Any person should be able to provide first aid if suddenly a case of loss of consciousness occurs before his eyes. Here are some tips that can help save another person's life. it is a sudden and dangerous thing.

Quite often, people lose consciousness when they are in stuffy rooms. In such cases, the body does not receive the required amount of necessary oxygen. This can also happen due to frequent worries and worries. If a person suddenly loses consciousness for these reasons, the following measures must be taken:

a person needs to free his throat, remove his scarf, unfasten the buttons on his collar, untie his tie;
provide a room with fresh air for the patient or, if possible, take him outside;
In order for a person to wake up, it is necessary to take a cotton wool soaked in ammonia and bring it to his respiratory tract;
if a person does not regain consciousness, he needs to be provided with a safe and comfortable body position. A good solution would be to turn it on its side, while making sure that the tongue does not sink in, which can cause suffocation. It is best to check this sign in the first seconds; to do this, you will need to unclench the victim’s jaws with your fingers or other suitable objects. If necessary, you should fix the tongue to the cheek in the oral cavity. It is very important that the airway is completely open;
it is also quite important to check that a person has a pulse and is breathing correctly in a faint state;
If the patient has no pulse or breathing, it is necessary to give him a cardiac massage and artificial respiration. It is good if this procedure is carried out by an experienced person;
in such a situation, you should immediately call an ambulance. And before removal, it is necessary to accurately describe all the patient’s symptoms to doctors.

There are situations when a person does not witness another person losing consciousness. In this case, the following measures must be taken:

try to find witnesses who noticed how the person lost consciousness. Perhaps someone knows the reason for this incident. It is necessary to check the victim’s pockets; it is likely that there will be special drugs there that can help bring him to his senses. People suffering from chronic diseases of this type often carry medications with them;
It is also necessary to inspect for damage to a person who has fainted. If bleeding is detected, you should try to stop it before the ambulance arrives;
It is important to determine the pulse and check if the person is breathing. To check the pulse, you need to feel the victim’s thyroid cartilage with two fingers. Then lower them a little lower.

Usually the pulse is felt well in this area;

if a person is still warm, but has no pulse or breathing, it is necessary to check the reaction of the pupils to light. There are often cases when a person in clinical death still reacts well to light rays. You can check this in this way: open the patient’s eyes, which are closed for centuries; if he is alive, the pupils will sharply begin to narrow. If the patient initially lies with his eyes open, it is worth covering them with your palm or any dark cloth for a few seconds, then carry out the previous action. If the incident happened at night or late in the evening, you can use a flashlight or mobile phone for such purposes. There is another way to check the reaction of the eye. To do this, use a handkerchief or other soft cloth to touch the victim’s eyelids. If a person is alive, he will immediately begin to blink, regardless of his condition. This is a natural reaction to external stimuli.

An ambulance does not always arrive immediately after a call, but in such a condition every minute is important. Therefore, it would not be a bad idea to try to provide independent assistance to the victim. A heart massage of any kind or mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration can help restore vital processes. However, there is no need to rush with these methods. Quite often they cause serious harm to the victim. But they can also save a person’s life. While the ambulance is on the way. It is important not to overdo it, especially when performing cardiac massage, as this can lead to compound fractures.

Methods of performing indirect cardiac massage and artificial respiration

Before starting chest compressions and artificial respiration, it is necessary to position the patient as comfortably as possible and free the oral cavity from vomit or excessive salivation. Then you need to throw the person’s head back, while making sure that the front jaw is slightly extended. If the jaw is tightly clenched, it must be unclenched with any available objects, without causing severe injury to the victim. Only after this can the procedure of introducing air into the mouth and nose be carried out. It is best to perform artificial respiration through a handkerchief. It is necessary to take two deep breaths to the victim, while holding the nose or mouth tightly. After inhaling, you need to press your hands on the middle of the person’s chest. Ten clicks will be enough. After which the procedure must be repeated in the same order. The procedure for artificial respiration and chest compressions will be simpler and more effective if it is performed by two people at the same time. It is quite difficult to cope with this alone. One person presses on the sternum, the other inhales. Three to five presses should be combined with one or two breaths.

This procedure may need to be carried out until an ambulance arrives.

Often we witness how a person suddenly falls unconscious. How should you act in this situation and what caused this? We'll talk about this later. Be sure to consider the difference between fainting and loss of consciousness. What should emergency assistance be for a person?

What is fainting?

Fainting is not a disease. It can be a symptom of some illness, and even then not always. This is just a sudden loss of consciousness as a result of reduced blood flow to the head. Consciousness is restored spontaneously.

Fainting can be:

Epileptic.
Non-epileptic.

After an epileptic episode, there is a very long period of time for the victim to return to normal.

Non-epileptic syncope includes:

Convulsive. Normal fainting is accompanied by muscle twitching.
Simple fainting.
Lipotomy. Mild degree of fainting.
Arrhythmic form. It happens with some types of arrhythmias.
Orthostatic syncope. When there is a sudden change from horizontal to vertical position.
Bettolepsy. Fainting that occurs during a period of chronic lung disease.
Drop attacks. Very unexpected falls, while the person may not lose consciousness.
Vasodepressor syncope. Happens in childhood.

Symptoms of fainting

Fainting can happen unexpectedly. But sometimes a pre-fainting state appears before this.

The first symptoms are:

Unexpected weakness.
Darkening in the eyes.
There is noise in the ears.
Pallor.
Sweating increases.
Limbs go numb.
Nausea may bother you.
Yawn.

Fainting - a short-term loss of consciousness - most often happens to a person while he is standing. This happens much less often when sitting. And, as a rule, when the body position changes, the symptoms of fainting disappear.

Fainting is most often accompanied by symptoms of vegetative-vascular disorders. Namely:

The face turns pale.
Extremities get cold.
Sweating increases.
There is a weak pulse.
Blood pressure drops greatly.
Breathing is weak and shallow.
At the same time, the pupils react to light and tendon reflexes are preserved.

A person can remain in this state from several seconds to 2-5 minutes. Staying unconscious for longer can cause increased salivation or twitching of muscles, limbs, and facial muscles.

Factors that provoke fainting

The causes of fainting and loss of consciousness are very similar:

Sometimes a fainting state can smoothly flow into loss of consciousness. Let's look at what this is next.

What happens when you lose consciousness

The person suddenly falls and does not respond to external stimuli, such as:

Light slaps.
Loud voices.
Cold or warm.
Claps.
Slivers.
Pain.

This condition is the result of a dysfunction of the nervous system. If a person remains unconscious for a sufficiently long time, then this is considered a coma.

Loss of consciousness is divided into:

Short-term. Lasts from 2 seconds to 2-3 minutes. In such cases, no special medical attention is required.
I am persistent. This condition can have serious consequences for the body. And if the necessary medical assistance is not provided in a timely manner, this may pose a threat to the life and health of the victim.

Manifestations of loss of consciousness are very similar to fainting.

Causes of loss of consciousness

There are several reasons that lead to loss of consciousness:

Insufficient blood supply to the brain.
Lack of brain nutrition.
Insufficient oxygen content in the blood.
Problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Heart rhythm disturbance, heart attack.
Atherosclerotic plaques inside the blood vessels of the brain.
Presence of blood clots.
Low blood pressure for quite a long time.
A sharp change in body position. For example, if you suddenly stand up from a sitting position.
Shock conditions:

Anaphylactic.
Allergic.
Infectious shock.

10. Complications of serious diseases.

11. Anemia.

12. Pubertal stage of development.

13. Oxygen oxide poisoning.

14. Head injury.

15. Epilepsy.

16. Stroke.

17. Sharp pain.

18. Nervous stress, lack of sleep, overwork.

The causes of fainting and loss of consciousness differ in men and women.

Women experience loss of consciousness due to internal bleeding, gynecological diseases, if pregnancy occurs with pathologies, excessive emotionality occurs, or a diet is too strict.

In men, loss of consciousness is more often provoked by alcohol poisoning and heavy physical exertion.

Fainting and loss of consciousness: what is the difference?

They differ from each other in reasons and possible consequences. Thus, when fainting, the cause is a reduction in the volume of blood flowing to the brain, which is accompanied by a sharp drop in blood pressure.

If there is a loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes, serious damage to brain tissue can occur, which will affect the person's functioning. The causes of such conditions can be heart pathologies, epilepsy, stroke.

These two states differ in their duration. Thus, fainting most often lasts a few seconds, but no more than 5 minutes. Loss of consciousness is considered to be more than 5 minutes.

Above we looked at the reasons for fainting and loss of consciousness. What is the difference and how the recovery proceeds, we will study further.

After fainting, all reflex, physiological and neurological reactions are quickly restored.

After loss of consciousness, the recovery of the above reactions occurs very slowly or they do not recover at all. It depends on the time the person spent in an unconscious state. The longer it takes, the more difficult it is to recover. This will also be influenced by the disease itself, that is, the cause of loss of consciousness.

When a person faints, as a rule, there is no loss of memory, nor any changes during an ECG.

After a person comes to, he may not remember what happened, and changes will most likely be visible on the ECG.

Causes of deep fainting

A few words about deep fainting. This is a sudden loss of consciousness. Lack of blood flow to the brain contributes to poor metabolism and the supply of oxygen and glucose.

The reasons for this condition may be the following:

Reduced blood flow to the brain can be a consequence of the following diseases:

Arrhythmia.
Heart failure.
Impaired cardiac function during exercise.

2. Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, or hypoxia. May occur in severe upper respiratory tract diseases.

3. A sharp decrease in blood glucose levels.

Deep fainting with loss of consciousness is very dangerous, as it can lead to oxidation of the brain.

If this happens, you should urgently consult a doctor and conduct a full examination of the body.

Diagnosis after loss of consciousness or syncope

After first aid has been provided for fainting and loss of consciousness, and the person has regained consciousness, it is necessary to analyze the symptoms that may appear.

It is worth paying attention to:

Fainting and loss of consciousness can pose many dangers. The difference between the developing consequences depends on many factors and the presence of certain diseases in the body. For example:

Fainting in diabetes mellitus, caused by a sharp decrease in blood sugar, can turn into a coma.
In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, the victim loses consciousness, brain hypoxia occurs, and myocardial muscle contraction is inhibited.
Loss of consciousness after or during physical activity is a signal of serious cardiac pathology.
There is a high probability of heart pathologies in older people during loss of consciousness.
Severe heart disease is indicated by interruptions in its work and the time before fainting exceeds 5 seconds.
When you lose consciousness, convulsions that appear may indicate not only epilepsy, but also cerebral ischemia caused by heart disease.
If a person has cardiovascular pathologies, then loss of consciousness should be considered as a very serious symptom.
If the patient has had a heart attack and has angina, cardiomegaly, and symptoms of insufficient blood supply, fainting can be fatal.

In case of short-term loss of consciousness or fainting, it is necessary to undergo examinations to clarify the cause of this condition. Let's look at which ones further:

To exclude vegetative-vascular dystonia, a consultation with a neurologist is necessary.
Consultation with a physician is necessary to exclude hypotension or to prescribe therapy for hypertension.
Ultrasound, ECG, cardiac Holter to detect cardiac pathologies.
Ultrasound, Dopplerography to study cerebral vessels to identify pathologies.

If there was a loss of consciousness, then the following examinations will be needed:

A blood test to determine the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
To examine the lungs, it is necessary to undergo an x-ray.
Get tested for allergens and visit an allergist if you suspect asthma of allergic origin.
Undergo spirography to assess external respiration.

It is worth noting that if fainting occurs in a patient under 40 years of age and there are no anomalies on the cardiogram, then it is necessary to look for a neurological cause. If, after 40, there are no signs of damage on the heart cardiogram, it is still necessary to start with a full examination of it.

Consequences of fainting and loss of consciousness

Such changes in health cannot be ignored.

Fainting and loss of consciousness can have different consequences for a person. The differences are that mild fainting can pass without leaving a trace, but loss of consciousness can be a dangerous symptom of a disease and pose a danger to life.

But in any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor after the incident. So, when fainting, there is a great danger of the tongue falling back, which can block the airways and the person will die from suffocation. With a traumatic brain injury, loss of consciousness is a risk of developing severe dangerous complications, as well as the risk of coma and death.

In case of loss of consciousness or fainting, metabolic processes in the brain tissue are disrupted. This can affect the functioning of the brain, namely, memory deteriorates, psychological disorders may occur, and attention will decrease. And of course, it can affect the functioning of all internal organs. The longer the unconscious state, the more dangerous it is for life, since irreversible processes can occur in the brain tissue. Therefore, first aid should be provided in a timely manner in case of fainting and loss of consciousness. More on this later.

Providing assistance to the elderly

Let's consider what first aid is like in a condition such as fainting and loss of consciousness: it is difficult to answer what the difference is. Help is provided in both cases practically according to the same scheme.

As we described earlier, before fainting, a person experiences the first symptoms, that is, he experiences a pre-fainting state:

Sharp weakness.
The face turns pale.
The pupils dilate.
Perspiration appears.

At this moment, if you notice these signs, you need to provide help to the person. What to do:

Find a place to move the person to a sitting position.
Lower your head below your knees.

With these actions we will improve blood flow to the head and prevent fainting, as we will eliminate its cause.

What should be done in case of fainting or loss of consciousness:

It is necessary to check the presence of a pulse in the carotid artery and the reaction of the pupils to light.
Place the victim in a horizontal position, with the legs raised above the level of the head. This action ensures blood flow to the head.
If a person has been vomiting, it is necessary to lay him on his side.
Clear your mouth of vomit and prevent your tongue from falling into your throat.
Loosen or loosen tight clothing.
Provide good air access.

If it is a simple fainting, then these actions are enough for the person to come to his senses. If this was not enough, it is necessary to begin resuscitation measures.

It is necessary to make an external impact on the brain in order to launch the entire system. For this, as a rule, they use:

Ammonia.
Cold water. You can spray her face.
Light slaps on the cheeks.

2. If none of the above measures help, you should call a doctor.

3. If there is no pulse and breathing, you must immediately begin artificial respiration and chest compressions and continue until the ambulance arrives.

After a person comes to his senses, he should not get up immediately, since the blood supply has not yet been completely restored. There is a danger that fainting will happen again. At this moment, it is important to talk with the victim, gradually bringing him to his senses, while monitoring his condition. We looked at what you should pay attention to earlier.

Prolonged oxygen starvation of the brain will cause irreversible changes in the functioning of the entire body and can be fatal.

We looked at such serious conditions as fainting and loss of consciousness; we also tried to explain how they differ from each other. Everyone should not only know about this, but also be able to apply their knowledge in an unexpected situation.

Preventive measures

First of all, if you feel like you might lose consciousness, or this has already happened to you, you need to avoid such situations. Namely:

Take medications in a timely manner if you have chronic diseases.
Do not stay in stuffy rooms.
Don't make yourself overly tired.
Be able to control yourself in stressful situations.
Don't go on strict diets.
It is also not recommended to get out of bed abruptly.
Avoid overexertion in the gym.
Remember that feeling hungry can also lead to loss of consciousness.

To prevent fainting and loss of consciousness, it is recommended to follow a work-rest regime, exercise moderately, carry out hardening procedures, and eat in a timely and rational manner. If there are chronic pathologies, then it is necessary to regularly visit a specialist and undergo treatment for ailments.

Fainting is caused by a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain and may be a sign of a more serious condition...

Temporary loss of consciousness - fainting

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness.

Fainting is caused by a temporary loss of blood supply to the brain and may be a sign of a more serious condition.

People of any age can faint, but older people may have more serious causes.

The most common causes of fainting are vasovagal (sharp decrease in heart rate and blood pressure) and heart disease.

In most cases, the cause of fainting is unknown.

Fainting can have many different causes:

Vasovagal syncope also known as "general weakness". This is the most common cause of syncope and is caused by an abnormal vascular reflex.

The heart pumps more intensely, the blood vessels relax, but the heart rate does not compensate quickly enough to maintain blood flow to the brain.

Causes of vasovagal syncope:

1) environmental factors (happens more often when it’s hot);

2) emotional factors (stress);

3) physical factors (loads);

4) illness (fatigue, dehydration, etc.).

Situational fainting only occurs in certain situations.

Causes of situational fainting:

1) cough (some people faint when coughing too hard);

2) when swallowing (in some people, loss of consciousness is associated with illness in the throat or esophagus);

3) when urinating (when a susceptible person loses consciousness with a full bladder);

4) hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus (in some people when turning the neck, shaving or wearing a tight collar);

5) Postprandial syncope can occur in older people when their blood pressure drops about an hour after eating.

Orthostatic syncope occurs when a person feels fine while lying down, but when standing up, may suddenly faint. Blood flow to the brain decreases when a person stands due to a temporary decrease in blood pressure.

This fainting sometimes occurs in people who have recently started taking (or have been changed to) certain heart medications.

Orthostatic syncope can be due to the following reasons:

1) low circulating blood volume caused by blood loss (external or internal blood loss), dehydration or heat exhaustion;

2) impaired circulatory reflexes caused by medications, diseases of the nervous system, or congenital problems. Cardiac syncope occurs when a person loses consciousness due to cardiovascular disease.

Cardiac causes of syncope are usually life-threatening and include the following:

1) abnormal heart rhythm - arrhythmia. Electrical problems in the heart impair its pumping function. This leads to decreased blood flow. Your heart rate may be too fast or too slow. This condition usually causes fainting without any warning.

2) cardiac obstructions. Blood flow may be obstructed in the blood vessels in the chest. Cardiac obstruction can cause loss of consciousness during exercise. Various diseases can lead to obstruction (heart attacks, diseased heart valves due to pulmonary embolism, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac and aortic tamponade).

3) heart failure: the pumping ability of the heart is impaired. This reduces the force with which blood circulates through the body, which can reduce blood flow to the brain.

Neurological syncope may be associated with neurological conditions.

Its reasons are:

1) a stroke (bleeding in the brain) can cause fainting associated with headache;

2) a transient ischemic attack (or mini-stroke) can cause loss of consciousness. In this case, fainting is usually preceded by double vision, loss of balance, slurred speech, or dizziness;

3) in rare cases, migraine can cause fainting. Psychogenic fainting. Hyperventilation due to anxiety can lead to fainting. The diagnosis of psychogenic syncope should be considered only after all other causes have been excluded.

Symptoms of fainting

Losing consciousness is an obvious sign of fainting.

Vasovagal syncope. Before fainting, a person may feel light-headed; blurred vision will be noted. A person may see “spots before the eyes.”

The patient experiences pallor, dilated pupils, and sweating.

While unconscious, a person may have a low heart rate (less than 60 beats per minute).

The person must quickly regain consciousness. Many people do not have any warning signs before fainting.

Situational fainting. Consciousness returns very quickly when the situation passes.

Orthostatic syncope. Before an episode of fainting, a person may notice blood loss (black stools, heavy periods) or fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea, fever). The person may also experience delusions. Observers may also note paleness, sweating, or signs of dehydration (dry lips and tongue).

Cardiac syncope. The person may report palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Observers may note the patient's weakness, irregular pulse, pallor, or sweating. Fainting often occurs without warning or after exertion.

Neurological syncope. The person may have a headache, loss of balance, slurred speech, double vision, or dizziness (a feeling that the room is spinning). Observers note a strong pulse during the unconscious period and normal skin color.

When to seek medical help?

Since fainting may be caused by a serious condition, All episodes of loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

Anyone, even after the first episode of loss of consciousness, should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Depending on what the physical examination reveals, your doctor may require tests.

These tests may include: blood tests; ECG, 24-hour monitoring, echocardiography, functional stress test. Table tilt test. This test checks how your body reacts to changes in position. Tests to detect nervous system problems (head CT scan, brain MRI or EEG).

If the person next to you faints, help him.

Place it on the ground to minimize the chance of injury.
Encourage the person actively and call an ambulance immediately if the person is unresponsive.
Check your pulse and begin CPR if necessary.
If the person is recovering, let him lie down until the ambulance arrives.
Even if the cause of fainting is not dangerous, have the person lie down for 15-20 minutes before getting up.
Ask him about any symptoms such as headache, back pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, weakness or loss of function, because these may indicate life-threatening causes of fainting.

Treatment of fainting

Treatment for fainting depends on the diagnosis.

Vasovagal syncope. Drink plenty of water, increase your salt intake (under medical supervision), and avoid standing for long periods of time.

Orthostatic syncope. Change your lifestyle: Sit and flex your calf muscles for a few minutes before getting out of bed. Stay hydrated.

Elderly people with low blood pressure Large meals should be avoided after meals or you should plan to lie down for several hours after eating. In most cases, you should stop taking the medications that cause fainting (or change them).

Cardiac fainting. To treat cardiac syncope, the underlying condition must be treated.

Valvular heart disease often requires surgery, while arrhythmia can be treated with medications.

Medications and lifestyle changes.

These procedures are designed to optimize heart performance and control high blood pressure; in some cases, antiarrhythmic drugs may be prescribed.

Surgery: bypass surgery or angioplasty are used to treat coronary heart disease; in some cases the valves may need to be replaced. A pacemaker may be implanted to normalize the heart rate (slows the heart for fast arrhythmias or speeds up the heart for slow arrhythmias). Implanted defibrillators are used to manage life-threatening rapid arrhythmias.

Preventing fainting

Preventative measures depend on the cause and severity of the fainting problem.

Fainting can sometimes be prevented by taking simple precautions.

If you are weak due to the heat, cool down your body.
If you faint while standing (after lying down), move slowly while standing. Slowly move to a sitting position and rest for a few minutes. When you are ready, stand up using slow and fluid movements.

In other cases, the causes of fainting may be subtle. That's why Consult your doctor to determine the cause of fainting.

Once the cause is determined, treatment for the underlying disease should begin.

Cardiac syncope: Because of the high risk of death from cardiac syncope, people who experience it should be treated for their underlying illness.

Periodic fainting. Consult a doctor to determine the reasons for frequent loss of consciousness.

Prognosis due to fainting

The prognosis for a person who has fainted depends largely on the cause, the patient's age, and available treatments.

Cardiac syncope has the greatest risk of sudden death, especially in older people.
Fainting, which is not associated with cardiac or neurological disease, represents a more limited risk than in the general population.

Checking the pulse in the neck area. The pulse can be clearly felt only near the throat (trachea).

If the pulse is felt, note whether it is regular and count the number of beats in 15 seconds.

To determine your heart rate (beats per minute), multiply this number by 4.

The normal heart rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

If fainting happened just once, then you don’t have to worry about it.

It is important to see a doctor because fainting can have serious causes.

Fainting may be a sign of a serious problem if:

1) it often occurs over a short period of time.

2) it occurs during exercise or vigorous activity.

3) fainting occurs without warning or in a supine position. When fainting is not serious, the person often knows it is about to happen and vomits or feels sick.

4) a person loses a lot of blood. This may include internal bleeding.

5) shortness of breath is noted.

6) chest pain is noted.

7) a person feels that his heart is pounding (palpitations).

8) Fainting occurs along with numbness or tingling in one side of the face or body. published .

If you have any questions, please ask

The materials are for informational purposes only. Remember, self-medication is life-threatening; consult a doctor for advice on the use of any medications and treatment methods.