What is the term for passing out or fainting?

The term for passing out or fainting is "syncope." Syncope is defined as a temporary loss of consciousness and posture, often due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. This phenomenon can be triggered by various factors, including dehydration, low blood pressure, or sudden changes in position.

Understanding syncope is crucial in a medical context, as it may indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed. Recognizing that syncope leads to fainting helps medical providers assess patient history and symptoms effectively to determine appropriate interventions.

Other terms listed, such as dizziness and vertigo, describe different sensations and are not synonymous with the loss of consciousness. Dizziness refers to a feeling of unbalance or lightheadedness, while vertigo specifically describes the sensation of spinning or that one’s surroundings are moving. Presyncope refers to a state just before fainting, where an individual may feel lightheaded or weak, but is not yet completely unconscious. While related to fainting, it does not equate to the act of fainting itself.