Diagnosis of Fainting

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You faint when a drop in blood pressure prevents the brain getting enough oxygen. By falling to the floor, the head is at the same level as the heart, which enables more blood to get to the brain. Most people return to normal fairly quickly after fainting, and further investigation by your GP is usually only necessary in the following cases:

if the faint followed a fall from a height, especially if there is also injury or bleeding;
if consciousness is not quickly regained (within a couple of minutes);
if you are pregnant or over 50 years old;
if you have diabetes;
if you feel chest pain or discomfort, pounding or irregular heartbeat;
if you have loss of speech, visual disturbances, or inability to move one or more limbs; or
if you have convulsions, or loss of bowel control.

Even if it is not an emergency situation, you should consult your GP if you have never fainted before, if you are fainting frequently, or if you have new symptoms associated with fainting. Your GP will ask you about the symptoms you felt when you fainted, what you were doing beforehand, and how quickly you regained consciousness. It may be helpful if a friend can provide an eye witness account of the event.

Your GP will also need to know about any medication you are taking.Your GP may wish to carry out a physical examination, which will focus on your heart, lungs, and nervous system. Your blood pressure will be measured, sometimes in several places, to find out if it is equal in all parts of the body. Your heart may be examined with a stethoscope to listen for sounds that can indicate valve abnormalities. Examination of the nervous system for reflexes can detect conditions of the nerves and brain.

Depending on whether there are other symptoms, you may be admitted to hospital for further tests. These may include a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the electrical activity of the heart, or an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).