Random Fainting-Any thoughts?

[HopperFan]

DS who is now 41, a disabled adult that I am guardian and caretaker ....

About 12 years ago. Was getting him ready to go to his day program. Sitting on toilet. Spontaneously fainted and faceplanted on floor. After what seemed forever (a couple minutes) I got him sitting upright and leaning against cabinet. He tried to get up and fainted again. I called for brother (who was in college but also a high school coach with all kinds of "first aid" training and his athletes pass out often ~ who said running competitively is fun) to help. We called an ambulance and DS got his first ride to hospital. This was so out of ordinary, so sudden, it was scary.

They ran the EEG and the EKG and kept him in hospital overnight. Nothing showed up. They had us recheck with the neurologist that had seen him in the hospital. I don't remember if he did anymore tests but he wasn't convinced it was neurological so referred us to a cardiologist. Cardio did all his in office tests including scanning his neck arteries. All looked good so he started us on a long term cardio monitor. Poor guy had this patches stuck on him and his skin raw. Nothing. They also suggested he get up slowly, we increase his water (he's a drinker so not that) and even suggested juice in bed before he got up for a jolt.

After about 6 mos of just ruling everything out they diagnosed "vasovegal syncope" which interchanges with neurocardiogenic syncope. He had episodes about once or twice a year for about 6 years maybe then I think he just got really good at being aware it was happening and sat himself down. I would say the post COVID it had not returned so perhaps we had found some balance. We did have a few days where he felt dizzy? getting up then laid back downtown telling me he was staying home. He'd lay in bed a few hours then be fine. The only real change in him I'm aware of is we got his cholesterol down to normal.

Well December just before boarding TRON, he's behind me against wall waiting for the "car" seating, I hear a moan, spun around, his eyes were huge and scared. It was happening. I grabbed him and got him on the ground before he passed out. SO it's still there just waiting. I think he was just so scared as it had not happened in years, we were at Disney (his happy place) and all that was happening in TRON likely didn't help. The plus is he let me know best he could (he's considered non-verbal). I've always worried more at Disney because of his multiple issues that are heavily tested in lines, inside with crowds etc. I can think of no reason why it happened for the first time in the evening other that his other issues just dog piled on his system and it shut down. First night of trip incident that changed the entire week. He has no ability to understand what is happening to him so pure fear.

I guess my long story short is they can test you for everything and it may still come back with the unhelpful "fainting for no reason" syncope as I call it. I suppose in the grand scheme that is best case scenario ~ better to have nothing worse. I don't think it has anything to do with menopause and if a doctor told me that I'd keep on looking for answers making sure my heart, circulation and brain passed the tests. Good luck!

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

DS who is now 41, a disabled adult that I am guardian and caretaker ....

About 12 years ago. Was getting him ready to go to his day program. Sitting on toilet. Spontaneously fainted and faceplanted on floor. After what seemed forever (a couple minutes) I got him sitting upright and leaning against cabinet. He tried to get up and fainted again. I called for brother (who was in college but also a high school coach with all kinds of "first aid" training and his athletes pass out often ~ who said running competitively is fun) to help. We called an ambulance and DS got his first ride to hospital. This was so out of ordinary, so sudden, it was scary.

They ran the EEG and the EKG and kept him in hospital overnight. Nothing showed up. They had us recheck with the neurologist that had seen him in the hospital. I don't remember if he did anymore tests but he wasn't convinced it was neurological so referred us to a cardiologist. Cardio did all his in office tests including scanning his neck arteries. All looked good so he started us on a long term cardio monitor. Poor guy had this patches stuck on him and his skin raw. Nothing. They also suggested he get up slowly, we increase his water (he's a drinker so not that) and even suggested juice in bed before he got up for a jolt.

After about 6 mos of just ruling everything out they diagnosed "vasovegal syncope" which interchanges with neurocardiogenic syncope. He had episodes about once or twice a year for about 6 years maybe then I think he just got really good at being aware it was happening and sat himself down. I would say the post COVID it had not returned so perhaps we had found some balance. We did have a few days where he felt dizzy? getting up then laid back downtown telling me he was staying home. He'd lay in bed a few hours then be fine. The only real change in him I'm aware of is we got his cholesterol down to normal.

Well December just before boarding TRON, he's behind me against wall waiting for the "car" seating, I hear a moan, spun around, his eyes were huge and scared. It was happening. I grabbed him and got him on the ground before he passed out. SO it's still there just waiting. I think he was just so scared as it had not happened in years, we were at Disney (his happy place) and all that was happening in TRON likely didn't help. The plus is he let me know best he could (he's considered non-verbal). I've always worried more at Disney because of his multiple issues that are heavily tested in lines, inside with crowds etc. I can think of no reason why it happened for the first time in the evening other that his other issues just dog piled on his system and it shut down. First night of trip incident that changed the entire week. He has no ability to understand what is happening to him so pure fear.

I guess my long story short is they can test you for everything and it may still come back with the unhelpful "fainting for no reason" syncope as I call it. I suppose in the grand scheme that is best case scenario ~ better to have nothing worse. I don't think it has anything to do with menopause and if a doctor told me that I'd keep on looking for answers making sure my heart, circulation and brain passed the tests. Good luck!

The thing with Vasovagal is that its just an overreaction of your vagus nerve. They haven't quite figured out the why about it but its more or less "the common faint".
It generally happens if you're under sudden stress, you're standing for a period of time, you're anticipating pain, or you hurt yourself. (I've almost fainted after I whacked my knee on a table leg as I sat down).

Also its common to "grow into" or "grow out of" it.
And it runs in families.
My grandma used to faint in her 30's/40's.
My mom used to faint in her teens/20's.
And I've started fainting in recent years I'm in my late 30's.

 

[happily single]

DS who is now 41, a disabled adult that I am guardian and caretaker ....

About 12 years ago. Was getting him ready to go to his day program. Sitting on toilet. Spontaneously fainted and faceplanted on floor. After what seemed forever (a couple minutes) I got him sitting upright and leaning against cabinet. He tried to get up and fainted again. I called for brother (who was in college but also a high school coach with all kinds of "first aid" training and his athletes pass out often ~ who said running competitively is fun) to help. We called an ambulance and DS got his first ride to hospital. This was so out of ordinary, so sudden, it was scary.

They ran the EEG and the EKG and kept him in hospital overnight. Nothing showed up. They had us recheck with the neurologist that had seen him in the hospital. I don't remember if he did anymore tests but he wasn't convinced it was neurological so referred us to a cardiologist. Cardio did all his in office tests including scanning his neck arteries. All looked good so he started us on a long term cardio monitor. Poor guy had this patches stuck on him and his skin raw. Nothing. They also suggested he get up slowly, we increase his water (he's a drinker so not that) and even suggested juice in bed before he got up for a jolt.

After about 6 mos of just ruling everything out they diagnosed "vasovegal syncope" which interchanges with neurocardiogenic syncope. He had episodes about once or twice a year for about 6 years maybe then I think he just got really good at being aware it was happening and sat himself down. I would say the post COVID it had not returned so perhaps we had found some balance. We did have a few days where he felt dizzy? getting up then laid back downtown telling me he was staying home. He'd lay in bed a few hours then be fine. The only real change in him I'm aware of is we got his cholesterol down to normal.

Well December just before boarding TRON, he's behind me against wall waiting for the "car" seating, I hear a moan, spun around, his eyes were huge and scared. It was happening. I grabbed him and got him on the ground before he passed out. SO it's still there just waiting. I think he was just so scared as it had not happened in years, we were at Disney (his happy place) and all that was happening in TRON likely didn't help. The plus is he let me know best he could (he's considered non-verbal). I've always worried more at Disney because of his multiple issues that are heavily tested in lines, inside with crowds etc. I can think of no reason why it happened for the first time in the evening other that his other issues just dog piled on his system and it shut down. First night of trip incident that changed the entire week. He has no ability to understand what is happening to him so pure fear.

I guess my long story short is they can test you for everything and it may still come back with the unhelpful "fainting for no reason" syncope as I call it. I suppose in the grand scheme that is best case scenario ~ better to have nothing worse. I don't think it has anything to do with menopause and if a doctor told me that I'd keep on looking for answers making sure my heart, circulation and brain passed the tests. Good luck!

thank you for sharing your story! Glad you son is able to recognize when an event is going to happen!

 

[happily single]

I'm back from the doctors, with no real news. I had an EKG (?) done which was normal. I also did some blood work and I will be going for a thyroid ultrasound and be sporting a holter monitor for a month. She isn't sure exactly but feels it is not related to blood sugar, POTS or a few other things. Hopefully I will have an "event' while wearing the monitor and that will lead to some answers.

 

[Simba's Mom]

This can definitely do it. I've had syncope a few tiems and once it was because I had this really bad sinus infection - didn't realize how bad - and got super dehydrated. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I had to pee really bad - of course my body had very little liquid in it, and I passed out in the bathroom. The doctor said it was because of the dehydration.

My doctor always said that people don't give enough respect to dehydration and how it can severely it can impact you.

 

[HopperFan]

My doctor always said that people don't give enough respect to dehydration and how it can severely it can impact you.

YUP and ironically how dangerous over-hydration can be.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm back from the doctors, with no real news. I had an EKG (?) done which was normal. I also did some blood work and I will be going for a thyroid ultrasound and be sporting a holter monitor for a month. She isn't sure exactly but feels it is not related to blood sugar, POTS or a few other things. Hopefully I will have an "event' while wearing the monitor and that will lead to some answers.

FYI for those reading a holter monitor is similar to a zio patch. Both record cardiac activity and any unisual heart rhythm events that may occur over a period of days to weeks. Events can be elusive. Do make a notation on the journal section if you feel those symptoms again. An Apple Watch or Kardia Mobile can also be helpful here.

 

[BayouQueen]

I'm back from the doctors, with no real news. I had an EKG (?) done which was normal. I also did some blood work and I will be going for a thyroid ultrasound and be sporting a holter monitor for a month. She isn't sure exactly but feels it is not related to blood sugar, POTS or a few other things. Hopefully I will have an "event' while wearing the monitor and that will lead to some answers.

I hate to even bring this up, because it’s so scary and probably not common, but my fainting spells were caused by breast cancer. I did all the heart studies and then spent a year under the care of a neurologist, and then finally had a breast cancer diagnosis, chemo, and no more fainting.

I guess I’m just trying to emphasize that the fainting has a cause. Be persistent in finding the cause. My GP was very dismissive.

 

[happily single]

I hate to even bring this up, because it’s so scary and probably not common, but my fainting spells were caused by breast cancer. I did all the heart studies and then spent a year under the care of a neurologist, and then finally had a breast cancer diagnosis, chemo, and no more fainting.

I guess I’m just trying to emphasize that the fainting has a cause. Be persistent in finding the cause. My GP was very dismissive.

Wow, what a crazy and scary way to find out. My PCP very good. I’m up to date on my mammograms as well. Hope your doing well

 

[Jeannie]

I have a few minute "warning" in that I get very hot and dizzy. I don't believe its menopause related. I don't feel like I'm on fire. I just get very hot, begin to sweat, then my eye sight and hearing go and I feel like I'm in a tunnel (very hard to explain) and I get dizzy.

The last time this happened I happened to be in a class taught by someone in the women's health field (same as me). She felt that it could have been a hot flash. I had eaten a good breakfast and a very healthy lunch. I had been drinking gatorade and water. I was standing for maybe 10-15 minutes when this happened. After the spell passes I am 100% fine, aside from a little bit of feeling "ok". No shaking, no trouble standing, etc.

I could have written this exact same thing! It happened about 3 times over maybe a two year period in my 50s. Never spoke to my doctor about it, but I believe they were my body's version of a hot flash. I've never had a 'regular' hot flash so I'm not complaining.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I've fainted (or near-fainted) twice. The first was in college - I fainted in the cafeteria (sitting between two pre-med majors, so at least they new what to do ). I got checked out, and I was just exhausted from doing too much.

The second was a few years later, after a funeral. I'd had nothing but coffee all day, so I'm sure it was dehydration and low blood sugar, combined with just generally being upset. That time, I realized it as it was starting and sat down. "Good bad luck" again - a fellow guest was a nurse, realized right away what was happening, and came over to check on me. I was OK after some water and something to eat.

Both of those were obviously well before menopause, so that wasn't the reason, but I can attest to not everyone having the same type of "hot flash" symptoms. - When I actually went through menopause, I had "cold flashes" where I would suddenly be freezing.

 

[happily single]

I could have written this exact same thing! It happened about 3 times over maybe a two year period in my 50s. Never spoke to my doctor about it, but I believe they were my body's version of a hot flash. I've never had a 'regular' hot flash so I'm not complaining.

I've also never had a hot flash. Did yours ever resolve? I'm not overly concerned, but I would like an answer as to why.

 

[easyas123]

I had "cold flashes" where I would suddenly be freezing.

Oh man, all I ever heard about was the hot flash, no one ever told me about the cold flashes but boy was that a treat the first time!

OP - I hope you are able to get some answers soon. At least you can feel it coming on get yourself situated.

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I have that vasovagal syncope issue described above. My fainting happens when I am sleeping and get up too quickly. Typically within a few minutes of getting up and it’s just as the OP described. I get very hot/sweaty, dizzy, I start to lose vision and faint. Often, but not always, I’m very nauseous when I come to. I’ve fainted or come close to fainting probably 10 times in my adult life. I’m supposed to lay in bed for several minutes before getting up, but I always forget to do that for middle of the night bathroom breaks.