What’s Causing My Fainting Spells?

We’ve all experienced those moments where we stand up too quickly and the world goes black for a moment. We get dizzy and sometimes even pass out. But what do you do if you have that dizzy sensation more often than the occasional moment of standing up too quickly? What if you are passing out for no explicable reason? If you are experiencing fainting spells – Syncope – you should schedule an appointment with Complete Neurological Care.

What Is Syncope?

Syncope is the scientific name for fainting. Fainting spells can happen for a number of reasons, but if you cannot easily explain why – low blood pressure, a drop in blood sugar, being overheated, not eating, getting up too quickly – there may be a neurological or cariological reason for the fainting spells. These reasons include:

• Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – Mini strokes caused by small blood clots
• Seizures – Any form of epilepsy in which the electric current in the brain is disrupted
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus – a brain disorder in which abnormal levels of fluid in the brain
• Autonomic insufficiency – a disorder in which the nerves that manage your autonomic functions do not operate properly

To diagnose your fainting spells and any underlying conditions, your physician will discuss your medical history, do a complete exam, and possibly order an MRI. If you get dizzy without passing out, Videonystagmography (VNG) may also be useful. This test will monitor eye movement to test for vestibular, or inner ear, disease. Vestibular dysfunction can cause dizziness and balance difficulties.

How Are Fainting Spells Treated?

If your Syncope is determined to be caused by an underlying neurological condition, it is important to treat the underlying condition first, so it will depend on which condition you have that is causing the fainting spells. For example, TIAs are often caused by blood clots, so blood thinners are often prescribed to prevent the TIAs and the resulting fainting spells. This may require medication, surgery, or

Schedule a fainting and syncope appointment today with Complete Neurological Care. We have 7 convenient locations in Queens, Downtown Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan, Long Island, Upper West Side, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Our expert neurologists are equipped with the technology and expertise to treat your neurological problems.