What causes sudden fainting and convulsions?

Sometimes people faint or even have severe convulsions for no apparent reason, which is really scary. If you encounter special circumstances, such as being frightened, etc., this is a normal physiological phenomenon. If you faint for no reason, you should go to the hospital to find out the cause.

Vasovagal syncope

This is the most common type, which often occurs in young people. There are often fixed triggers when the seizure occurs, such as urination, coughing, pain, emotional tension, fear, hot weather, strenuous exercise, fasting, etc. Sometimes there are no symptoms before the seizure, and it will recover quickly without sequelae. Sometimes blood pressure and/or heart rate will slow down. This type of seizure is usually cured by special exercises under the guidance of a doctor. A few people need to be treated with drugs or pacemakers.

Cardiogenic syncope

It refers to syncope caused by a sudden decrease or suspension of cardiac output due to heart disease, mostly caused by arrhythmia and organic heart disease. Common arrhythmias include sick sinus syndrome, atrioventricular block and other bradycardia or arrest, tachycardia arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, which lead to a decrease in cardiac output and cause syncope. Organic heart disease, such as acute myocardial infarction, myxoma of the heart, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, congenital cyanotic heart disease, etc. can all cause syncope. Cardiogenic syncope is common in the elderly, lasts for a long time, and is a serious condition. Elderly people with heart disease should communicate with cardiovascular specialists for treatment, and if necessary, a pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator should be used.

Cerebral syncope

It is caused by circulation disorder in the brain blood vessels or the main blood vessels supplying the brain, resulting in temporary and widespread cerebral blood supply insufficiency. It is more common in the elderly, and common causes include transient cerebral ischemia, brain stem syncope, and aortic inflammation. Preventive measures include preventing cerebral arteriosclerosis, reducing cerebral vasospasm, taking medication regularly, and regular checkups.

Orthostatic hypotensive syncope

It is more common in the elderly or those who have been bedridden for a long time. It manifests as black spots and dizziness after a sudden change in body position. Preventive measures include standing up slowly or with support, and not squatting for a long time.