Symptoms
Brief unresponsiveness
Falling down
Jerky movements (sometimes, mimicking a seizure)
Pale face
Sweating
Lightheadedness or dizziness prior to LOC
Nausea prior to LOC
Blurred vision prior to LOC
Causes
Vasovagal syncope: Triggered by emotional stress, pain, prolonged standing, or heat exposure.
Orthostatic hypotension: Sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Cardiac issues: Heart arrhythmias, heart valve problems, or heart failure.
Neurological conditions: Seizures, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Metabolic problems: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or dehydration.
Medications: Certain medications can lower blood pressure and cause LOC.
Situational syncope: Triggered by coughing, urination, or bowel movements.
Medicine Used
The specific medications used depend entirely on the underlying cause of the loss of consciousness.
For Vasovagal Syncope: Fludrocortisone (to increase blood volume), Midodrine (to constrict blood vessels)
For Orthostatic Hypotension: Midodrine, Droxidopa.
For Cardiac Causes: Antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, pacemakers, or surgery might be necessary.
For Seizures: Anticonvulsants.
For Hypoglycemia: Glucose administration.
For dehydration: Oral or intravenous fluids. It is very important to consult with a physician before taking any medication.
Is Communicable
Loss of consciousness itself is not communicable. It is a symptom of an underlying condition, and that underlying condition may or *may not* be communicable, depending on what it is.
Precautions
Identify triggers: If you know what causes your LOC, avoid those situations.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather or when exercising.
Rise slowly: Avoid standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position.
Compression stockings: Can help improve blood circulation.
Avoid prolonged standing: If possible, take breaks and sit down.
Manage underlying conditions: Ensure any medical conditions contributing to LOC are properly managed.
Inform others: Let family, friends, and coworkers know about your condition and what to do if you lose consciousness.
How long does an outbreak last?
Loss of consciousness is not an outbreak, it is a symptom that can be caused by other health conditions. The duration of loss of consciouness may vary.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history and physical exam: Doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications.
Blood pressure monitoring: To check for orthostatic hypotension.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): To check for heart problems.
Blood tests: To check for anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical conditions.
Tilt table test: To assess how your body responds to changes in position.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): To check for seizures.
Imaging studies: Such as CT scan or MRI of the brain, if neurological causes are suspected.
Echocardiogram: To evaluate heart structure and function.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause:
Seconds before: Lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, sweating.
During: Unresponsiveness, falling, possible jerky movements.
After: Confusion, fatigue, headache, full recovery (usually within minutes to hours).
Important Considerations
LOC should always be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause.
Recurrent LOC can be dangerous and may indicate a serious medical condition.
People with LOC should avoid activities that could be dangerous if they were to lose consciousness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
First aid for someone who has lost consciousness: Check for breathing, call for emergency help, position the person on their back and lift their legs, loosen any tight clothing, and monitor their condition.