What Does It Mean When You Feel Faint?

The sensation of feeling faint is caused by a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. Symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, sweating and nausea, followed--if a faint occurs--by a collapse into unconsciousness for a short period.

Causes

If you feel faint, it may be because your blood pressure is low--for example, if you stand up quickly or your heartbeat is irregular--or because you are dehydrated, but the most common cause is overstimulation of the vagus nerve, which directs blood to the digestive system. Overstimulation can be caused by the sight of blood, vomiting or anything that causes intense stress, fear or pain.

Treatment

If you feel faint, leaning forward with your head between your knees or lying down with your feet at a higher level than your head can help you to avoid losing consciousness altogether. If you drink a glass of water and rest for a while, you should feel better soon.

More Serious Problems

If you faint just once and are otherwise in good health, you probably do not need to see a physician. However, if you are pregnant, suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, or experience chest pain or shortness of breath in addition to feeling faint, you should seek medical help.

References

• BBC Health: Fainting
• Health Guidance: Vagal Nerve Fainting
• FamilyDoctor.org: Fainting