Monday, August 6, 2007

The anatomy of a fainting spell

Do people still faint anymore? I don't think I've ever seen anyone faint in person, although I know it happens. Based on TV and movies it seems like people faint left and right, but have you ever wondered what exactly causes somebody to suddenly lose consciousness and hit the floor?

Fainting is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, which causes loss of consciousness usually just for a few seconds, and people often feel dizzy or nauseous after they wake up. Things that can trigger fainting include any kind of straining or pushing, excessive coughing, medications, drugs, low blood sugar, pain, and of course the Hollywood favorite: emotional distress.

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