The Different Types of Fainting and Their Causes

There are quite a few variations of fainting, or syncope if using medical language. The reasons for which are not always clear, but here are the types and causes of fainting.

To be able to function in our everyday lives, it is essential that the brain has oxygen, and it gets this mainly from the blood supply. When there is an interruption to this supply, however short, our bodies respond by losing consciousness and fainting. This is extremely common, more so than you would have thought, with around 3% of all emergency department visits being caused by fainting. In addition to that 6% of admissions to hospital are for the same reason.

The cause for fainting is when the oxygen supply to the brain becomes compromised the brain will in effect steal oxygen from other organs. The underlying cause of fainting is one that needs to be investigated as it can actually be quite serious. Listed below are some of the types of fainting:

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Neurocardiogenic Syncope:

This is sometimes called reflex syncope or alternatively vasovagal syncope. This is the most common type of fainting that there is. The reason for this type is something sets off a malfunction, however small, in the autonomous nervous system. As a result your blood pressure will drop, and so will the heart beat. This will then cause a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. Possible causes of this include:

- Seeing unsightly things like blood. Usually the sight has to be sudden.

- Standing a lot can also cause this.

- Being in a hot, stuffy places for long periods of time.

- experiencing intense emotions such as anxiety, stress, or fear.

Occupational Syncope:

The trigger for a fainting episode with this type is thought to be a bodily function that places stress on the nervous system. Things that could cause this are:

- Sneezing.

- Coughing.

- Passing Urine or Stools.

- Fierce activities that place strength on the body.

Orthostatic Hypertension:

This type is when you stand up too quickly or suddenly. The reason for this is that when you have been lying or sitting down, the soon as you stand up gravity will naturally push the blood down to the legs. This will make your blood pressure drop, which will cause your nervous system to increase your heart beat to try and counter the blood pressure drop. The other thing your nervous system may do is narrow the vessels, which will make your blood pressure even out.

With this type of fainting the body does not manage to even the blood pressure out, which causes the person to faint. The possible causes of this are:

- Dehydration. If you are badly dehydrated then the amount of fluid in your body and blood stream is significantly reduced. Having low blood pressure for a long time will affect the nervous system and its ability to even the blood pressure out.

-Medication. Some types of medication such as antidepressants, water pills and beta blockers can cause this type of fainting.

- Parkinson’s Disease. This neurological disorder can affect the nervous system and cause fainting.

- Cardiac Syncope. This is where the cause of fainting is due to an underlying heart condition.

As you can see there are quite a few triggers and causes of fainting. One fit can maybe be put down to a one off occurrence but really you should get yourself to a doctor where they will be able to do some tests, even simple ones such as a blood test. It is important because fainting can be dangerous particularly because often when you faint you fall over, which could cause injury.

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