Fainting among teenagers is not an unusual occurrence and we have probably all got a story to tell of a schoolmate fainting in dramatic fashion during a school assembly or before an exam.

A vasovagal attack is the most common cause of fainting and occurs when there is a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain and fainting.

Most of the time this can be attributed to specific reason and is not necessarily a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Fainting fits tend to be most common in the teenage years and most are probably associated with the hormonal changes of puberty so most adolescents will grow out of them.

Why might you faint

Changes in the nervous and circulatory system can cause a temporary drop in the amount of blood, and therefore oxygen, reaching the brain resulting in loss of consciousness and collapse. After lying down, the head and heart are at the same level which restores blood flow to the brain and you recover after a few minutes.

Low blood pressure can make you feel woozy and faint and is often noticeable on standing quickly after you have been sitting for a long period.

Triggers for an episode

  • Getting too hot or being in a crowded, poorly ventilated room can trigger a faint.
  • Standing for long periods, for example in a school assembly may also be a trigger.
  • The brain requires a lot of energy in the form of glucose so low blood sugar caused by not eating, extreme dieting or not refuelling after intense bouts of exercise can also cause fainting.
  • Teenagers’ emotions can lurch from one extreme to another so fright, pain, anxiety, or shock that affect the body’s nervous system, may cause blood pressure to drop.
  • Stress and/or shock can cause hyperventilation – when breathing becomes fast and shallow – causing carbon dioxide (CO2) to decrease in the blood.
  • Anaemia is not uncommon amongst teenage girls especially those who have heavy periods or who are eating a diet low in iron (vegans and vegetarians are especially susceptible). Anaemia is characterised by having fewer red blood cells than normal, which decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain and other tissues.
  • An abnormal heartbeat can trigger a faint. If fainting is becoming frequent, especially during exercise or exertion, you must consult a GP who can run tests to see what is causing it.

 

How can I avoid fainting

  • Often there are some warning signs that you may experience before an episode. Feeling lightheaded, sweaty, or nauseated and changes in vision can forewarn of a faint. ASK FOR HELP from you friends or a friendly face!
  • If friends notice that you look pale and clammy, try to avoid fainting by sitting or lying down, practice deep breathing and ensuring that you are in a well ventilated place.
  • Make sure that you eat something for breakfast (preferably some protein and slow release carbohydrate, eg a smoothie made with plain yoghurt or toast with peanut butter).
  • When standing still for long periods of time shift from one leg to the other and keep muscles moving. This allows good circulation so blood is able to flow around the body.
  • Avoiding stressful situations when possible. Deep breathing exercises before exams can be helpful. If in a crowded or party situation you should try to be near an open window or door or at least have access to one.

 

Getting medical advice

You should always consult your GP if your teenager’s fainting is a worry.  There may be underlying medical conditions such as anaemia, diabetes or electrolyte imbalance for which they can carry out tests.

If your teen has fainted and banged their head, which unfortunately is very common, get them checked out to ensure there is no concussion.