Common symptoms include yawning, a sudden sweat, nausea (sickness), fast and deep breathing, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes, and ringing in your ears. [5] X Research source
Medical experts suggest that you lie or sit down and place your head between your knees. These positions will help restore blood flow to the brain and can prevent a fainting episode. [6] X Research source [7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source If standing, you can also cross your legs and tightening your abdominal muscles. This is effective if you are in a crowded place and you are unable to lie down immediately. If you’re standing, try to lean against a wall and slowly sitting down to help ease your symptoms and prevent getting injured from collapsing.
If you do faint, blood flow will resume to your brain naturally and you should regain consciousness in two minutes or less. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Orthostatic, or postural, hypotension happens when your blood pressure drops when you stand up and it can also lead to fainting spells. Make sure you stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, elevate the head of your bed, limit how often you cross your legs, and wearing compression stockings. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Caffeine stimulates the heart, making fainting spells more likely to occur. If you drink large amounts of caffeine, you should cut back slowly to avoid headaches. While the amount of fluids you need each day depends on a number of factors — including your level of activity, your climate, your overall health, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should drink about half of your weight in ounces each day. So if you weigh 200 lbs. then you should be consuming 100 oz (or 12. 5 8-oz glasses) of fluids each day. [13] X Research source If you are an athlete with more muscle mass, you should drink about two-thirds of your weight in ounces. [14] X Research source Eating regularly can also help to reduce lightheadedness and reduce your chance of fainting by boosting blood sugar.
Avoid placing yourself in stressful situations and do your best to remove yourself from such situations. Learning to stay calm and to assert yourself can help you to overcome feelings of anxiety.
Your doctor may evaluate your blood pressure, run bloodwork, or do an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor study to find the cause of your fainting.
An electrocardiogram will be ordered if the doctor suspects a heart condition is the cause. An electroencephalogram will be ordered if the doctor suspects something in the brain is the cause.
If any medications are prescribed, such as metoprolol, Prozac, or midodrine, be sure to take them exactly as your doctor advises. Your doctor may ask you to make lifestyle changes as well, like increasing your salt intake or wearing counter pressure support garments to help your condition.
