Other major symptoms include a clammy and pale face, numbness in your face and exterior limbs, feelings of severe anxiety, or sudden onset nausea or stomach pains.
When you lie down it puts your head at roughly the same level as your heart and encourages circulation to be restored and your blood to head back to your brain easier. If you are pregnant you should lie down (and usually sleep as well) on your left side to lessen the burden on your heart. If the area is crowded, for example, and it is only safe to sit down that can work as well. For maximum benefit, hang your head between your legs. This will encourage the blood to follow gravity and head back down into your brain. [3] X Research source
You can also make an effort to buckle your knees. This will have the effect of lowering you to the ground and will lessen your final fall.
If you feel yourself going down before you can sit, try your best to maintain a firm grip on the rail. It can help to guide you down to the floor even as you lose consciousness. If nothing else, draping your body partially over the outer rail (against the wall) will slow the course of your fall and turn it into a slide down.
If you see someone you might say, “Help! I’m about to pass out!” Or, “Can you help me? I think I’m going to faint. ” Don’t be afraid to approach strangers who may be able to help you stay safe. If you are lucky and someone helps you, they should start by assisting you to the floor if you are not there already. If you do fall and injure yourself, they should apply pressure to the bleeding area and call for medical assistance. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The person assisting should also remove any tight clothing that could be constricting blood flow to your head, such as tight neckties. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source They will need to make sure your airway is clear and stays that way. It may be necessary to tilt you to the side if you begin vomiting. They should check for signs that you are breathing properly, even when unconscious. If anything looks concerning, they should dial for emergency assistance immediately and wait until help arrives.
Do something that you know relaxes you, such as going home and taking a bubble bath. Or, sitting on the couch and watching a bit of football.
Your doctor may order tests such as a blood sugar draw, a general blood test to check for anemia and nutrient levels, and an EKG (to scan for heart issues). These are all fairly standard diagnostic tools. [10] X Research source Your doctor may also place restrictions on your behaviors until the cause of fainting has been established and treated. They may request that you limit your driving and avoid operating any kind of heavy or complex machinery. [11] X Research source It is helpful if you can bring with you a statement or brief note from someone who witnessed you faint. After all, you were unconscious for part of this time and this person call “fill in the blanks” regarding what happened to you. [12] X Research source
Make sure to follow the exact directions on any medication that you receive. If you fail to do so, you run the risk of your fainting spells getting worse.
Carefully discuss all herbs and supplements with your doctor to ensure that they do not interfere with your current medications or possess problematic side effects.
For example, sit up on the edge of the bed in the morning before standing up.
You can also wear pressure stockings that encourage the blood to move from your lower extremities up into your upper body and head. [17] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
