Fainting

Fainting occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily inadequate, causing you to lose consciousness. The loss of consciousness is usually brief. Fainting can have no medical significance, or the cause can be a serious disorder. Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the signs and symptoms are relieved and the cause is known. If you feel faint:

Lie down or sit down.

If you sit down, place your head between your knees.Discuss recurrent fainting spells with your doctor.If someone else faints:

1. Position the person on his or her back. Make sure the legs are elevated above the heart level.

2. Watch the airway carefully. People who lose consciousness may vomit.

3. Check for breathing. Position your ear over the person's mouth to listen for breathing sounds. If breathing has stopped, the problem is more serious than a fainting spell. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Get emergency medical care. Call 911.

4. Help restore blood flow. If the person is breathing, restore blood flow to the brain by raising the person's legs above the level of the head. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing. The person should revive quickly. If the person doesn't regain consciousness in 1 to 2 minutes, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.