認識昏厥症的危害養成良好生活習慣

Causes of fainting and first aid knowledge

Fainting refers to a sudden loss of consciousness, mainly due to...Insufficient blood supply to the brainThis is caused by various factors. The brain needs sufficient blood to provide oxygen and nutrients. When the blood supply is insufficient, brain function will be temporarily interrupted, resulting in loss of consciousness. Neurologist Dr. Fang Jiayang points out that there are many causes of fainting, the most common of which is vasovagal syncope.

The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve in the human body, and it is also the longest and most widely distributed nerve. This nerve is responsible for regulating a variety of physiological functions. When the parasympathetic nervous system within it is over-excited, it can lead to a slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, slowed breathing, and vasodilation, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the brain and fainting. Although most cases of vasovagal syncope are benign, patients may suffer head or body injuries due to falls during the fainting episode, with the severity of the injury varying.

Common causes of fainting

Triggers for vasovagal syncope include: stimulation of the vagus nerve such as fright, emotional excitement, or sudden pain; prolonged standing leading to blood pooling in the lower limbs; and frequent alcohol consumption causing sustained vasodilation. These conditions can occur at any age. In older adults, syncope is often due to orthostatic hypotension, caused by temporary cerebral ischemia when suddenly standing up from a sitting, lying, or squatting position. Lying down after fainting improves blood circulation, and consciousness usually returns within seconds to minutes.

Dr. Fang stated that some patients have experienced fainting three to four times a month, which is due to the vagus nerve being particularly sensitive and frequently stimulated. In most cases, medication is not required, but if the attacks are frequent, the doctor may prescribe preventative medication.

What to do when someone faints

When feelingDizzinessIf you faint, immediately find a safe place to sit or lie down and rest. If you witness someone else faint, quickly support the patient to prevent head injury and lay them flat. Before fainting, there are usually warning signs such as tinnitus, dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, fatigue, nausea, and blurred vision, followed by blackouts and loss of consciousness. After lying down, blood supply is restored, and most people will regain consciousness on their own. However, if dehydration is severe or blood pressure remains too low, recovery may not be possible on its own, and medical treatment is necessary.

Dr. Fang cautioned that if the unconsciousness lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if assistance is required to regain consciousness, the situation is more serious. Those with a history of heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, or who experience chest pain or shortness of breath during fainting, or who have a family history of sudden death, should seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause.

Lifestyle tips for preventing fainting

To prevent vasovagal syncope, the key is to avoid triggering factors such as overexertion, emotional excitement, sudden pain, and prolonged standing. Maintaining a regular lifestyle and regulating autonomic nerve function are also important. The autonomic nervous system controls physiological functions such as heart rate and blood pressure; dysfunction can easily lead to various discomforts.

Specific preventative measures include: eating three meals a day at regular times and maintaining a balanced diet to ensure sufficient intake of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins; developing a habit of drinking plenty of water; maintaining regular exercise to strengthen heart function; ensuring sufficient sleep; and limiting alcohol intake. These healthy lifestyle habits can effectively reduce the risk of fainting.