Frequently asked questions about Loss of Consciousness

There is no consensus between the popular use and the medical use of the terms, fainting spell, nausea, blackout. Fainting spell and blackout are generally used as synonyms of the most common syncope: vasovagal syncope. 

The vasovagal reflex is the main cause of syncope and it often occurs in healthy people. The percentage of syncope of a cardiac cause increases from 40 years onwards, which should not be forgotten. If you have never had a cardiovascular evaluation and are already over this age, it is a good time, as a prevention measure, to go to a cardiologist, particularly those who take part in sports. 

The loss of consciousness is a worry in patients of advanced age, in patients with heart diseases, with chest pain accompanied by repetitive syncope and shortness of breath. Even so, we should take into account that blackouts in young people when they make efforts or while they are sleeping, may be an indication that there is a cardiac cause. The intense headache is also an alert sign. 

In this case, we think more in an episode of vertigo, which is a very different illness and due to another cause. In any case, it is never cardiac or the same as a neurological disease.