Syncope

What Causes Syncope?

Fainting can happen for many reasons. Common causes include:

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Syncope?

Before fainting, your child may have:

If your child faints or feels dizzy often, their doctor or health care provider may recommend treatment, including medicines.

What Do I Do if My Child Faints?

If your child faints:

• Let them stay on the ground until they’re fully awake.
• Loosen any tight clothing.
• Offer small sips of water when your child is awake.

How Do You Prevent Syncope?

• Sitting and standing
  • If your child feels dizzy or light-headed, have them sit or lie down right away.
  • Encourage your child to stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.
  • Squeezing the leg and thigh muscles while standing may help prevent fainting.
• Food and drink
  • The best liquid for your child to drink is water. Ask your child’s doctor if certain drinks with vitamins and electrolytes are okay for your child to have.
  • Ask your child’s doctor how much liquid your child should drink each day. Encourage your child to drink that much during the day.
  • Your child’s body needs more fluids during hot weather and physical activity.
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine and a lot of sugar, like soft drinks or soda.
  • Your child’s doctor may recommend drinking more fluids and increasing sodium in their diet.
• Activities
  • Take breaks during exercise and other activities.
  • Avoid standing in one place for long periods of time. If standing for a long time can’t be avoided, shift weight from one foot to the other or move the legs often.
  • Avoid hot or stuffy places when possible. Open windows, use fans, or stay in the shade.

When Should I Get Help?

When to Call 911

Call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if your child:

• Faints and is injured.
• Faints while running or playing sports.
• Faints when lying down.
• Has chest pain, a severe headache, or a racing heartbeat.
• Has trouble seeing.
• Has trouble talking or moving.
• Is hard to wake up.
• Faints more than one time in 24 hours.
• Seems confused once they wake up.
• Has trouble breathing or has blue lips or face.
• Is not returning to their normal self (baseline) after fainting.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your child’s doctor or health care provider if:

• Your child has repeated fainting spells on different days.
• Your child feels dizzy when standing up.
• Your child has headaches or feels like their heart is racing.
• You have questions about fainting.

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