Loss of consciousness
Loss of consciousness means a situation in which a person temporarily loses the ability to stay awake and respond to their surroundings. Most commonly, it is a short fainting spell (syncope) caused by a brief lack of oxygen in the brain. Such fainting can occur, for example, when standing up quickly, in a hot environment, or in stressful situations. In healthy young people and adults, typical fainting is usually harmless, and the cause is often reflex-related, meaning the body’s normal response.
However, loss of consciousness can also have more serious causes, such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood pressure, or disorders originating in the brain. For example, a slow heart rate (bradycardia) can cause symptoms if the pulse drops to an unusually low level. Loss of consciousness is concerning if it happens without warning signs, lasts a long time, occurs repeatedly, or is associated with seizures, chest pain, or breathing difficulties. In that case, it is important to seek a doctor’s assessment as soon as possible. Sudden, unexplained loss of consciousness always requires evaluation by a professional.
Practitioners – Loss of consciousness
Adrienn Pardo
Internal medicine
Aija Iivanainen
Cardiology
Aino Pirttilä
Internal medicine
Aki Vainionpää
Physiatry
Aklilu Habtemariam
Physiatry
Aleksei Kerro
Internal medicine
Aleksi Kallioniemi
Physiatry
Aleksi Montonen
Physiatry
Amanda Ahonen
Nutritional therapy
Amma Antikainen
Nutritional therapy
Frequently asked questions
Why did I suddenly faint at work even though I had eaten and drunk enough?
Fainting can have many causes, such as stress, heat, or standing up suddenly. If fainting happens repeatedly or is associated with other symptoms, seek a doctor’s assessment.
Can loss of consciousness be a sign of heart disease?
Yes, sometimes loss of consciousness can be caused by a heart rhythm disturbance. It is important to see a doctor, especially if the symptom recurs or is accompanied by chest pain or palpitations.
Should I be worried about a single fainting episode if I recovered quickly?
A single, quickly passing fainting episode is often harmless, but if you do not know the cause or the symptom recurs, it is a good idea to see a doctor just to be safe.
What should I do if I see another person lose consciousness?
Help the person into a safe position, check their breathing, and call emergency services if they do not wake up quickly. A professional’s help is needed in all unclear situations.