Have you ever heard of “syncope?” First of all, it’s pronounced SING-co-pee, and you’re not alone if the term is new to you.
Syncope is thought to be responsible for a lot of motor vehicle accidents; it is also one of the three most common maladies reported by airline passengers.
So what is it? Syncope is caused by a temporary disruption of oxygen flow to a person’s brain, which results in lost consciousness or fainting. It can be caused by a number of suspects, including low blood pressure, violent coughing spells, or heart problems.
A recent study in Denmark noted patients diagnosed with syncope have double the chance of being involved in a car accident. This risk remains for up to five years after the diagnosis, and doctors pointed out that there really isn’t an “all clear” even after that five-year mark.
So, what should you do if you suddenly feel faint?
According to the Mayo Clinic, you should sit down and place your head between your knees until the feeling passes. (It goes without saying that, if you’re driving, PULL OVER!) They go further by stating that sometimes fainting can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition; other times, fainting has no medical significance at all.
