Syncope (Fainting) in Children
What is syncope?
Syncope (fainting) happens when a child briefly loses consciousness and falls. It is usually caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain and lasts only a few seconds to minutes.
Common causes of syncope
Benign (harmless) causes
Standing too long
Sudden standing (postural hypotension)
Dehydration
Hunger/low blood sugar
Anxiety or fear (e.g., seeing blood)
Medical causes
Vasovagal syncope (common fainting due to nervous system response)
Heart conditions (arrhythmias, structural issues)
Neurological conditions (rare)
Certain medications
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if your child:
Faints during exercise or while playing sports
Has chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath
Takes a long time to wake up
Has seizures (jerking movements)
Faints multiple times without clear reason
How is syncope diagnosed?
Doctors may use:
Medical history & physical exam
Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart function
Tilt table test to check blood pressure responses
Blood tests to check for anemia or blood sugar issues
Prevention and Home care
Hydration: Encourage drinking plenty of fluids.
Nutrition: Avoid skipping meals.
Posture: Teach slow standing up from sitting/lying down.
Breathing Techniques: Teach deep breathing for anxiety.
Avoid Triggers: Reduce exposure to extreme heat, stress, or long-standing.