fainting
Brief consciousness loss
Fainting is losing consciousness briefly, typically from insufficient blood flow to the brain.
The sensation often includes lightheadedness, tunnel vision, and weakness before everything goes dark: She felt herself fainting and grabbed the railing.
Someone prone to fainting at the sight of blood has a common vasovagal response.
A fainting spell or fainting fit is an episode of such unconsciousness.
Losing consciousness briefly
- VictorianOf a prim era
- damselOld-fashioned maiden
- melodramaSensational, emotionally overwrought drama
- vaporsGaseous exhalations
overwhelmed · theatrical · romance novel · corset · smelling salts · dramatic · overwrought · emotional
Seize or snag
- reviveRestore consciousness or vigor
- smelling saltsPungent ammonia revival compound
- fresh airUnenclosed outdoor atmosphere
- emergencySerious sudden danger
first aid · recovery position · call for help · ambulance · stretcher · 911 · bystander · paramedic
Complete power loss
- unconsciousnessComplete lack of awareness
- swoonLose consciousness briefly
- collapseSudden structural failure
- passing outTemporary loss of awareness
fall · drop · slump · crumple · keel over · prostration · stupor · insensibility
Temporary loss of consciousness
- vasovagalVagus-nerve-mediated reflex
- hypotensionAbnormally reduced arterial pressure
- bradycardiaAbnormally slow heart rate
- blood pressure dropLowered force in arteries
cardiogenic · carotid sinus · dehydration · hypoglycemia · anemia · seizure · concussion · head injury
Sensation of near-fainting
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
- vertigoSensation of spinning
- spinningRevolving around an axis
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
disorientation · giddiness · unsteadiness · swaying · wooziness · tunnel vision · blurred vision · ringing ears
Condition from excessive warmth
- blood lossDepletion of vital fluid
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- hyperventilationAbnormally rapid respiration
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
panic attack · pain · emotional distress · exhaustion · hunger · exertion · pregnancy · medication
swooning
Losing consciousness briefly
vapors · overwhelmed · theatrical · romance novel · corset · smelling salts · dramatic · overwrought · emotional · Scarlett O'Hara
catch
Seize or snag
- reviveRestore consciousness or vigor
- smelling saltsPungent ammonia revival compound
- fresh airUnenclosed outdoor atmosphere
emergency · first aid · recovery position · call for help · ambulance · stretcher · 911 · bystander · paramedic · coming to
blackout
Complete power loss
- unconsciousnessComplete lack of awareness
- swoonLose consciousness briefly
- collapseSudden structural failure
passing out · fall · drop · slump · crumple · keel over · prostration · stupor · insensibility · overcome
syncope
Temporary loss of consciousness
- vasovagalVagus-nerve-mediated reflex
- hypotensionAbnormally reduced arterial pressure
- bradycardiaAbnormally slow heart rate
blood pressure drop · cardiogenic · carotid sinus · dehydration · hypoglycemia · anemia · seizure · concussion · head injury
lightheadedness
Sensation of near-fainting
nausea · disorientation · giddiness · unsteadiness · swaying · wooziness · tunnel vision · blurred vision · ringing ears · seeing stars
heat exhaustion
Condition from excessive warmth
- blood lossDepletion of vital fluid
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- hyperventilationAbnormally rapid respiration
dehydration · panic attack · pain · emotional distress · exhaustion · hunger · exertion · pregnancy · medication · alcohol
- symptomsfever, headache, pain, nausea, rash
- body responsesfight, flight, shivering, freeze, goosebumps
- shock reactionsgasp, wide eyes, jaw drop, shocked face, open mouth
- side effectsnausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, rash
- soap operassoap opera, telenovela, melodrama, cliffhanger, amnesia
- theatricstheatrics, dramatics, melodrama, histrionics, theatricality
faintingwaking
Regaining consciousness from sleep
consciousness · alertness · coming to · awakening · awareness
faintingenduring
Persisting through time
withstanding · rallying · recovering · bracing · steadying
- fainting spellsTemporary loss of consciousness
- fainting couchBackless lounger for swooning
- fainting couchesFurniture for dramatic collapses
- fainting goatBreed with freezing response