Head, brain and nerves
Fainting or blackout
Also called fainting, blackout, behoshi, passed out, loss of consciousness
This can be a medical emergency. If it is happening right now, call 112 or 108, or get to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for an appointment and do not drive yourself.
What this means
Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness, usually because the brain did not get enough blood for a moment. It can be harmless, but it can also signal a heart or other serious problem, so it should be reviewed.
Safe to do at home
- Lie the person down and raise their legs
- Loosen tight clothing and allow fresh air
- Once awake, let them rest and sip water
- Note what happened just before and after
Please do not do this alone
- Do not let the person stand up or drive straight after
- Do not give anything by mouth while they are unconscious
- Do not ignore a fainting episode, even if recovery was quick
Book a consultation if
- You have fainted even once, to find the cause
- Fainting happens on exertion or while lying down
- You feel your heart racing or skipping before fainting
Get help immediately if
- Fainting with chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations
- The person does not wake up within a minute
- Fainting with jerking movements, injury or after a head hit
- Fainting in someone with a known heart condition
The right doctor for this
Cardiologist
This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.
