{"id":2061,"date":"2018-06-08T06:20:39","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T06:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2061"},"modified":"2020-07-29T05:17:56","modified_gmt":"2020-07-29T05:17:56","slug":"10-ways-to-overcome-a-syncopal-episode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/10-ways-to-overcome-a-syncopal-episode\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Overcome a Syncopal Episode"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

The term syncopal episode is the medical term for the condition. A syncopal episode may be caused by a number of reasons and affects a number of Americans both men and women and young and old. It is, however, more prominent in those over the age of 45 as it is associated with sudden changes in blood flow. One of the most popular recent incidents occurred in 2017 when famous talk show host Wendy Williams had a syncopal episode live on air.
\nIt is important to note that these episodes become more prominent with age. They are caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain which results in the individual losing consciousness and also control of muscles leading to a fainting spell. Although these episodes tend to not be life-threatening, they are quite scary to go through, below is a list of ten ways to help overcome a syncopal episode:<\/p>\n

1. Identifying That a Syncopal Episode May Be Coming<\/h3>\n

The first thing to help you overcome a syncopal episode is being able to detect that it is coming or on the horizon. Your body will often tell you that something is wrong and how you react determines whether or not it becomes detrimental. This means identifying the pre-syncope signs and symptoms that you may experience just before your legs give way<\/p>\n

As many fainting spells occur when you are standing you may notice to start feeling your legs getting numb or shaky. This would be the perfect opportunity to control how you faint. You may want to take a seat on a chair if one is available and if one isn\u2019t available simply sit on the floor. As the fall tends to be the only time you can cause damage to your body, mitigating this can help you avoid breaking your spine, hitting your head and getting a concussion.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

2. Reacting To Symptoms Quickly<\/h3>\n

Knowing the common symptoms associated with a syncopal episode can help you prevent self-harm. Some of the symptoms that you may start to experience as your blood flow starts to drop is constant yawning, heating up in your clothes which causes excess sweating, nausea and stomach sickness, fast and rapid breathing or inability to breathe, feeling dazed and confused, your vision may become blurry and foggy and lightheadedness. As soon as you start to feel these things it is best to respond as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

As already stated taking a seat is quite crucial, if you cannot take a seat then it may be best to balance yourself against a wall or a surface this way when you fall you don\u2019t fall backward or fall in a compromised position. You can simply slide to the ground with your back supported. If there is no seat or wall surface available then it will be best to fall knees first.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

3. Bracing Yourself To Lose Consciousness<\/h3>\n

Losing control of your own body is a rather terrifying and traumatic thing to go through. This is why it is important to prepare your brain psychologically for the fall. This means understanding what is happening to you, remaining calm, and following the information protocol you already have in your mind. Syncopal episode symptoms start occurring at least 10 to 15 minutes before the actual drop. This means during that time, you can brace yourself for the fall.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also advised that you tell someone near you what is happening and what you think is about to happen. This way they are prepared to assist you too. If you happen to be driving it is important that you park the car as soon as possible. If you are in a public space, it is best to find a bench to sit on or place where you can lay down. If you happen to find yourself on the stairs or a dangerous space immediately sit down and balance yourself against any rails.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

4. Take It Slowly<\/h3>\n

Once your body loses consciousness you will be knocked out for a maximum of about 5 seconds, with the longest spell lasting about 10 seconds which is rather uncommon. After you faint and regain consciousness it is vital to remain calm, cool, and collected. Especially if you have a history of high blood pressure and cardiac issues. This is because after a spell you will find yourself disoriented for about 30 to 40 minutes. Your vitals are also most likely to be spiked and any emotional distress may cause more harm.<\/p>\n

If an ambulance has been called then they will help to keep you calm by allowing you to breathe through a paper bag or putting you on a breathing machine. This is especially true if you happen to have a breathing condition such as asthma or a struggling to breathe on your own. It is also advised you remain seated down or laying down if you cannot sit up on your own.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

5. Understanding The Type of Syncopal Episode<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to remember that not all syncopal episodes occur as a result of medical causes. Some fainting spells are linked to psychological triggers such as stress, anxiety, dehydration, hunger, extreme shock or surprise, trauma, spasms, drug consumption, emotional distress, and fear. Knowing that your spells are non-medical helps you to put steps in place to handle a fainting spell.<\/p>\n

You may be aware of the fact that you are extremely emotionally distressed and that it has started taking its toll on you. It is important to then try to mitigate and minimize the effects of this distress on your day to day. There are however incidents when you may involuntarily faint, this often occurs when you experience high levels of trauma or shock. In these cases you may not have time to brace yourself, however, how you respond to the episode determines how your body recovers. Understanding the cause of the spell helps to prepare preventative methods.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Spill Prevention: Hydration<\/h3>\n

One of the many causes of syncopal episodes is dehydration and hunger. As blood flow is directly affected by the nutrients circulating in your body at any given moment. One of the best preventative methods to apply is hydration, especially if there is no access to any medication. When you start experiencing the presyncope symptoms identified above it is crucial that you start to hydrate. This means getting fluids into your bloodstream, drinking water alone may not be enough. In fact, fluids from food extracts are better recommended.<\/p>\n

Eating a watermelon, an apple or an orange is a great way to get your body the fluids it needs as well as the boost of nutrition it needs. You can also make use of dairy products such as milk and yogurt, please do avoid drinking any caffeinated drinks. Keep track of your hydration levels, the more hydrated you are the more you tend to use the toilet. Also, check the color of your pee, clear pee indicates sufficient hydration.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

7. Prevention: Practicing Calming Techniques<\/h3>\n

Another way to prevent fainting is to practice your calming techniques. As a number of episodes are caused to non-medically related issues, but rather psychological and emotional issues it may be good to know how to calm yourself down. Especially if the cause of your incident is psychological or emotional. If your episode is a result of stress and anxiety then calming yourself may eliminate an episode.<\/p>\n

Some amazing techniques to employ include breathing exercises, where you sit on the ground with your legs crossed while you breathe in and out through both your mouth and your nose. Counting the number of breaths, you take per minute can also be calming and relaxing, while stretching can help flex your muscles. Also, try and remain focused on the present moment, avoid thinking too much about that past or the future as this can cause worry and unwarranted stress. It is also crucial that you avoid stressful situations such as fights and altercations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

8. Prevention: Staying Away From Drugs and Excessive Drinking<\/h3>\n

Another non-medical cause for the cause of syncopal episodes is excessive drinking and illegal recreational drug use. One of the things that happens when you drink too much alcohol is having blood rushing to the surface of your skin. This may look like you have flushed red skin. When this happens the blood is now on the surface of the skin instead of going to the brain which can cause you to pass out.
\nAnother thing that happens when you drink excessively and take illegal drugs and substances is that your body gets dehydrated. Which as already established is a major cause for fainting spells. Illegal drugs such as shrooms, cocaine, and ecstasy are also known to cause fainting spells, mainly due to the fact that they affect blood flow circulation. This means it may be in your best interest to avoid illegal drugs and cut down on alcohol consumption.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

9. Consulting Your Medical Practitioner<\/h3>\n

A syncopal episode may just happen to be a symptom of a medical condition linked and associated with a number of underlying factors. This will mean that you need to see a doctor after an episode takes place. In fact, it is advised that you visit a doctor anyway for them to rule out all the options. However, there are times when you know you need to see a doctor, immediately. If you happen to faint while exercising due to your heart racing profusely, or if you have a family medical history of syncopal episodes then it is recommended you visit a doctor.<\/p>\n

Once at the doctor provide them with all your medical history and also be sure to answer all the doctor\u2019s questions accurately and truthfully. Doing so will help them determined the underlying cause of your fainting episodes, which means they can help mitigate and prevent future episodes. Doctors may also run specific tests to try and identify the root cause of the episodes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

10. Undergoing a Psychological Evaluation<\/h3>\n

Last but not least, you may want to go a psychological evaluation, especially if the episodes are caused by emotional issues. You may have a history of mental illness in your family and it is important that you understand how these conditions and stressors affect your body. A \u201cpsych eval\u201d is it is often referred to allows you to gain some understanding of why your body is reacting the way it is.<\/p>\n

Once it is completed the psychologist will give you tools and techniques that can help you to calm yourself during mental breaks and also how to cope in high-stress situations. It is also an opportunity for you to unburden yourself by sharing all the things that are causing distress and discomfort. Also, speak to your psychologist about planning regular sessions of therapy as this will also help you to constantly keep a lid on your mental health issues and also have a channel of unbiased self-reflection and communication.<\/p>\n\r\n

<\/div>