Presyncope is a medical term used to describe the feeling of lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness that can occur when a person is on the verge of losing consciousness. If someone experiences presyncope, it's essential to take it seriously, because fainting can result in injury, and in some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
Common symptoms:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Paleness of the skin
- Feeling weak or unsteady
- Tunnel vision or blurred vision
- A sensation of "floating"
- Rapid or irregular heart rate (palpitations)
Causes:
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from lying down to standing up.
- Dehydration: A lack of fluid in the body can lead to low blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Vasovagal Syncope: A reflex triggered by emotional stress, pain, or fear that leads to a drop in blood pressure and fainting.
- Heart Conditions: Various heart problems, such as arrhythmias or structural issues, can result in presyncope.
- Medications: Some medications can cause low blood pressure or other side effects that lead to presyncope.
- Anemia: A reduced number of red blood cells can impair oxygen delivery to the brain.
- Hyperventilation: Rapid shallow breathing alters the balance of blood oxygen and carbon dioxide, causing dizziness and faintness.