SERVICES & PROCEDURES
DIZZINESS AND BLACKOUTS (SYNCOPE)
OVERVIEW
Dizziness and blackouts (or syncope) are when you temporarily lose consciousness, and there is insufficient blood flow to your brain. Vasovagal syncope is a type of syncope and occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to triggers such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress.
Syncope usually occurs when there is your blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and causes the heart not to pump enough blood to the brain. Syncope can be benign or as a result of an underlying medical condition.
Listed below are the most common symptoms of syncope:
- Blacking out
- Feeling lightheaded
- Falling for no reason
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling tired or dizzy
- Fainting, especially after eating or exercising
- Feeling unsteady or weak when standing
- Vision problems such as seeing spots or having tunnel vision
- Headaches
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, make a consultation with Dr Naicker so that an evaluation may be done. Said evaluation would consist of Dr Naicker reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam. Afterwards, further tests might be done to determine the cause of your syncope. These tests include laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, exercise stress test, ambulatory monitor, echocardiogram, head-up tilt test, blood volume determination, hemodynamic testing and autonomic reflex testing.
After a diagnosis has been made, Dr Naicker will determine which treatment options best suit you and your situation. The treatment options include an adjustment in medication, surgery to treat a valve disease, catheter ablation for fast arrhythmias, a pacemaker for a slow heartbeat, or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for patients who are at risk of sudden death. Other options include wearing support garments to improve blood circulation, making changes to your diet, elevating the head of your bed while you are asleep and being extra careful when you stand up.