Syncope

Syncope services offered in Katy, TX

Syncope, commonly called fainting, is a widespread concern that can turn into a recurring problem or point to a health condition like heart disease. Sadia Yasser, MD, and the team at Advanced Neurology of Katy have extensive experience helping people overcome fainting by identifying the cause and creating personalized treatments. In addition to signaling a potential health problem, fainting can also be dangerous if you fall or faint while driving, so schedule an appointment right away. Call the Katy, Texas, office today or request a syncope evaluation through online booking.

What is syncope?

Syncope, the medical term for fainting, occurs suddenly and causes a brief loss of consciousness. You faint when the blood supply to your brain drops because your blood pressure or heart rate suddenly falls. However, there are different reasons this can happen.

Vasovagal syncope

This type of syncope is an automatic reaction triggered by something happening to you. For example, you may faint at the sight of needles or blood or when stressed, tired, anxious, or standing too long.

Neurological syncope

Fainting can be a sign of a neurological condition like a stroke, seizure, or migraine.

Reflex syncope

If you have reflex syncope, you can pass out when you experience pressure on your neck (like a tight collar) or during specific activities like coughing, swallowing, or going to the bathroom.

Postural syncope

Postural syncope causes fainting when you change your body position from sitting or lying to standing.

Situational syncope

In this type, you faint if you’re dehydrated, anxious, fearful, hungry, overheated, or in pain.

Cardiac syncope

Many heart conditions cause fainting, including blocked blood vessels (coronary artery disease), heart failure, heart valve disease, and atrial fibrillation (Afib) and other irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

When should I seek medical care for syncope?

Seek medical care at Advanced Neurology of Katy if you lose consciousness, have a seizure, or experience other symptoms associated with syncope. For example, you could have:

Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Weakness
Headaches
Unsteadiness when walking

Many people experience dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness shortly before they faint. If a heart condition causes your syncope, you can have other symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in your abdomen, legs, and feet.

How is syncope treated?

Your Advanced Neurology of Katy provider learns about your symptoms and completes thorough physical and neurological exams. Depending on your exam results, they can run diagnostic tests.

Your provider personalizes your treatment based on the type and cause of your syncope. You’ll need one or more of several possible therapies, including:

Medication
Dietary changes
Standing slowly
Elevating the head of your bed
Changing or avoiding triggers
Treating an underlying heart condition
Getting a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Schedule a syncope evaluation today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.