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FAINTING
What
is it?
Fainting is the loss of consciousness most often
caused by a temporary decrease in oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Most of
the time, fainting in children is not due to a life-threatening or serious
cause. It may be provoked by fear, pain, heat stress, needing to eat, or even a
strange smell.
What
are the symptoms?
Children may have nausea, feel light-headed, or get
tunnel vision just prior to fainting. Most fainting spells generally last for no
more than 60 seconds.
What
can/should be done at home
·
If you are present and can anticipate the fainting
spell, make sure the child does not hit his or her head as he or she falls to
the floor.
·
If possible, place the head lower than the heart. If
that is not possible, at least put the legs higher than the head.
·
Check for breathing and a pulse, and, if not
present, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
When
to get immediate attention
Each fainting episode should be brought to the your
doctors attention even when there seems to be an obvious cause.
Access
immediate care:
·
If there is no pulse or breathing (or trouble
breathing)
·
If the fainting spell lasts more than two minutes
·
If there is any suspicion of a seizure (shaking or
jerking)
·
If the fainting spell was initiated because of
trauma to the head
·
If there is a family history of abnormal heart
rhythms or sudden death, particularly in anyone under age 40
·
If the fainting spell occurred right in the middle
of exercise
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mumsweb.com area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not
rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention,
diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that
of a child's, please consult your family Doctor immediately.. mumsweb.com
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