Fainting

Fainting, or SYSCOPE (Gr.), is a condition in which, owing to a sudden mental or bodily impression, the circulation of blood is temporarily arrested or very much diminished in force and volume, the respiration and the functions of the nervous system being likewise suspended. The indications of fainting to a bystander are chiefly a sudden pallor, accompanied by loss of power over the limbs, with disappearance of the pulse and movements of respiration; the eyes are commonly half-open or closed, the countenance bloodless, but quite at rest, and not indicative of suffering or disturbance: the flaccid, motionless condition of all the limbs also tends to distinguish simple fainting from epilepsy and the other diseases attended with spasm; whilst the vanishing of the colour and the suppression of the pulse make a marked distinction between fainting and Catalepsy (q.v.) and other forms of Hysteria (q.v.); with which disorders, however, fainting may in some cases be associated. Minor degrees of fainting, where there is no more than a feeling of faintness and a little pallor, are also common. The mode and origin of fainting and the study of its phenomena alike lead to the conclusion that it is primarily an impression upon the nervous system, very much of the same nature as the Collapse, or shock of a severe bodily injury; this reacts, in the first instance, on the heart, and through the circulation on all the other functions of the body. Fainting may end in death, if too prolonged, or if associated with disease of the internal organs, and especially of the heart. See HEART (DISEASES OF THE). Ordinarily, a person who faints from mental emotion, a hot and close atmosphere, or other transient cause, is readily restored by being laid on the back with the head low, and allowed plenty of cool, fresh air. If the patient is or can easily be placed in a sitting posture, he is often still more quickly brought round by making him bend forward with the head between the knees. The worst possible treatment is to raise him or hold him up, the course nevertheless instinctively adopted by almost every one. Any tight articles of dress should be loosened, and a stream of cold air, or a little cold water, should be directed to the face and neck, so as to arouse the respiratory movements. It is desirable, also, to apply ammonia or aromatic vinegar to the nostrils; but a more effective way of exciting the respiration is to compress the ribs and allow them to expand again, so as to imitate the natural movement. A little alcohol or sal volatile should be administered if the patient can swallow. Care should be taken to ascertain that there is no obstruction in the throat or air-passages, as suffocation from mechanical causes has been mistaken for fainting, and the real origin of the mischief overlooked, with fatal consequences. Should all other means fail, electricity (see ELECTRICITY, MEDICAL) will sometimes succeed in restoring the respiration and heart's action.