TeenHealthFX - Answers

Dizziness And Fainting / Question
Published: October 29, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Walked into the kitchen this AM to see my 19-year-old son drop a cup in the sink and moments later I had to catch him as he fainted. When he came to, I asked a few questions. He had four beers last night, no drugs, and at least 6 hours of sleep after drinking. He sweated a lot for a few minutes after fainting. He has been in the Florida sun a lot the past few weeks, especially during the heat of the day. A fainting spell happened once last year immediately after a painful dentist appointment (vasovagal reaction was my guess). Should I worry and get him a doctor?

Signed: Son Fainted

Dear Son Fainted,

While FX is sorry to hear of your son's fainting spells, we are glad that you are taking an active role in his health. Based on your description alone, it is impossible to determine what may be causing your son to faint. It is, however, unusual for an otherwise healthy teenager to lose consciousness, and you should encourage your son to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are many medical conditions that can cause fainting, including problems with the nervous system, heart, hydration level or metabolism. Some of these problems are potentially serious and early detection is beneficial.

You mention that your son's first fainting spell may have resulted from a "vasovagal" event. If this is the case, it is important that he see a cardiologist for evaluation. For our readers, the vagus nerve is a very important nerve in the body. The vagus nerve can sense high blood pressure in the carotid artery and it can then tell the heart to beat with less force, thus lowering blood pressure. Sometimes, the vagus nerve mistakenly thinks carotid blood pressure is high, tells the heart to relax, and the blood pressure drops enough that a person faints. This is an example of a "vasovagal" event.

FX's best advice is to get your son to a doctor and get checked out.

Signed: TeenHealthFX