Lipothymia: symptoms and causes that you should know

What is lipothymia or syncope?

Lipothymia, also known as syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. It occurs when not enough blood reaches the brain, causing fainting. This phenomenon is brief and the person recovers in a short time. Lipothymia is often preceded by symptoms such as dizziness or blurred vision.

There are different types of lipothymia, the most common being vasovagal lipothymia. This type is triggered by factors such as emotional stress, heat, or standing for a long time.

Main causes of lipothymia

The causes of lipothymia can be varied, but the most common include:

• Lack of cerebral blood flow: Decreased blood flow to the brain causes dizziness, and eventually fainting.
• Emotional factors: Fear or extreme pain can trigger a vasovagal response that causes loss of consciousness.
• Heat stroke: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat lipothymia by reducing blood flow to the brain.
• Dehydration: Lack of fluids decreases blood volume, affecting the supply of oxygen to the brain.

In people over 80 years of age, lipothymia is more common due to blood pressure problems and cardiovascular diseases. It is important to know how raise blood pressure in the elderly to avoid these episodes.

Symptoms of lipothymia

Before lipothymia occurs, several warning symptoms usually occur: dizziness and weakness, blurred vision, excessive sweating, and nausea. Following some health tips for older adults can help prevent these symptoms and maintain better control over your well-being.

• Dizziness and weakness: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded.
• Blurred vision: The person may notice that their field of vision is reduced or they see spots.
• Excessive sweating: Even in cool environments, the person may sweat excessively.
• Nausea: Some people experience an upset stomach.
• Temporary loss of consciousness: Although brief, it is the main sign that lipothymia has occurred.

What are the differences between syncope and lipothymia?

The terms lipothymia and syncope are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Although both describe temporary loss of consciousness, there are some differences.

• Lipotimia: It refers to fainting without completely losing consciousness. The person feels like they are going to faint, but they can avoid it.
• Syncope: It is a complete loss of consciousness that occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the brain.

Both terms are related to a lack of oxygen to the brain, but the severity of the episode varies.

How to act in a case of syncope?

Knowing how to act in a case of lipothymia is crucial, especially if it occurs in older people or in situations of extreme heat. Having an internal caregiver can be essential to provide the care and follow-up necessary in these cases. Here are some first aid steps:

1. Lay the person down: Place the person on the floor face up and elevate their legs to promote blood flow to the brain.
2. Ensure good ventilation: Loosen any tight clothing, such as belts or closed collars.
3. Rehydrate: If the person recovers and is conscious, offer water to avoid dehydration.
4. Monitor: Observe vital signs and make sure there are no other serious symptoms.
5. Seek medical help: If fainting lasts more than a few minutes or if it occurs in an elderly person, it is important to seek medical attention.