How to Live With Syncope

Syncope is a loss of consciousness commonly referred to as fainting. It may happen without warning or be preceded by a short period of light-headedness (pre-syncope.) It has many causes such as hypotension, extreme pain or shock, but can occur whenever the mind or body is subjected to stimuli it can no longer cope with. Anyone who faints should be revived and receive medical attention immediately.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if the syncope needs to be treated. Treatment is not always indicated and depends on severity and frequency of the episodes. The probability of injury from a fall should also be considered.

• 2

  Diagnose the specific mechanism causing the syncope. This will determine the proper treatment. The only to way to treat vaso-vagal syncope is to prevent the reflex from occurring either by removal of the stimulus or elimination of the patient's susceptibility to the stimulus.

• 3

  Follow the general treatments recommended by a doctor. These can include changes to diet, exercise and medication. Patients with a pacemaker may need special therapy.

• 4

  Use a beta blocker as a specific treatment as prescribed by a doctor. These are a class of drugs which block the effects of cardiac stress and are commonly prescribed to treat vaso-vagal syncope.

• 5

  Undergo volume expansion therapy if recommended by a doctor. This treatment is often effective when low blood pressure is the cause of the syncope episodes. Blood volume can usually be increased simply by increasing your water and salt intake. Some patients also may need medication such as fludrocortisones (Florinef) to help the body retain the additional salt and water.