Blackouts & Faints Clinic (Syncope) Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness that happens when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, it is also often called a blackout and the medical term is syncope.

What is syncope?

Syncope (pronounced “sin ko pea”) is the medical term for fainting or passing out. It is caused by a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain.

Syncope can happen if you have a sudden drop in blood pressure, a drop in heart rate, or changes in the amount of blood in areas of your body. If you pass out, you will likely become conscious and alert right away, but you may be feel confused for a bit.

How common is syncope?

Syncope is a common condition. It affects 3% of men and 3.5% of women at some point in life. Syncope is more common as you get older and affects up to 6% of people over age 75. The condition can occur at any age and happens in people with and without other medical problems.

What are the symptoms of syncope?

The most common symptoms of syncope include:

• Blacking out
• Feeling lightheaded
• Falling for no reason
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling drowsy or groggy
• Fainting, especially after eating or exercising
• Feeling unsteady or weak when standing
• Changes in vision, such as seeing spots or having tunnel vision
• Headaches

Many times, patients feel an episode of syncope coming on. They have what are called “premonitory symptoms,” such as feeling lightheaded, nauseous, and heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats that feel like “fluttering” in the chest). If you have syncope, you will likely be able to keep from fainting if you sit or lie down and put your legs up if you feel these symptoms.

Syncope can be a sign of a more serious condition. So, it is important to get treatment right away after you have an episode of syncope. Most patients can prevent problems with syncope once they get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

What causes syncope?

Syncope can be caused by many things. Many patients have a medical condition they may or may not know about that affects the nervous system or heart. You may also have a condition that affects blood flow through your body and causes your blood pressure to drop when you change positions (for example, going from lying down to standing).

What is the blackout and faints clinic?

At Brellah we put together multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) across a range of specialties so patients can benefit from the input of a team of experts with different areas of expertise.  The combined knowledge of all these specialists contributes positively to a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Your team includes:

• General practitioner
• Cardiologist (particularly cardiac electrophysiologists)
• Nurse Case Manager
• Dietitian, exercise physiologist or counsellor (if lifestyle related)

 

LOCATION

Building 8, Forest Central Business Park
49 Frenchs Forest Road East
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086

 

CLINIC DAYS & TIMES

Tuesdays 9:00am to 12:00pm

 

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