Fainting (temporary loss of consciousness)
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. Fainting may not be serious. A sudden emotional upset may cause you to faint. If you recover immediately and do not faint again, the fainting episode usually is not serious.
However, fainting can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as bleeding. Most of the time when bleeding is present, the need to seek medical care is obvious. However, sometimes bleeding is not obvious (occult bleeding). Small amounts of bleeding may occur over days or weeks without being noticed. When this is the case, light-headedness, fatigue, and fainting may be the first noticeable symptoms of blood loss. If you faint, look for signs of bleeding, such as:
- Bloody or pink urine that is not related to either menstrual blood in the urine or to dietary factors.
- Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding (saturating more than 8 pads or super tampons in an 8-hour period).
- An increase in the number and severity of bruises.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Several unexplained nosebleeds.
Another serious health problem may be present if you become light-headed or faint every time you stand up. Persistent fainting requires evaluation by a health professional.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 17, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology | |
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