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What could be wrong with me if I pass out?
"Syncope" is the feeling of loss of consciousness in which the individual may
either feel dizzy or weak as if going to pass out, or may actually proceed to a full
fainting spell. Syncope is caused by a rapid decrease in blood flow to the brain, and can
be the result of a number of problems directly related to the loss of blood pressure.
These include an irregular heartbeat or abnormalities of the nervous system causing an
inability of the body to maintain blood pressure to the brain at all times.
Syncope caused from disorders of the heart must be distinguished from other causes of
fainting, such as seizure disorders, low blood sugar, hyperventilation, anxiety attacks,
and hysterical fainting. If one experiences unexplained fainting spells, seeking the help
of a physician for careful diagnosis of the reason is of utmost importance. Generally,
these attacks can be treated with modifications in diet or by prescription medications to
treat the underlying problem of arrhythmias, seizures, low blood sugar, etc.
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