Should I go to the doctor after fainting, if I am otherwise healthy?
January 25, 2011 9:45 AM
Should I go to the doctor after fainting, if I am otherwise healthy?
This wasn't a question I was going to ask, but I saw the question about fainting a couple days ago and the answers have made me think again. My circumstances are somewhat different, which is why I'm asking.
I was traveling in a hot, humid tropical climate a month or so ago. I felt somewhat sick, fell asleep very early, and then got up to go to the bathroom around 6am. I was fine walking to the bathroom, but when I got off the toilet and started to walk back to the bed, I passed out and fell to the floor, hitting my chin on a bedpost on the way.
I know I do have somewhat low blood pressure, I have never fainted before, otherwise healthy 24 yr old female. My parents seemed to think since it had happened just once it was no big deal and not worth going to the doctor for. I could have possible been dehydrated, as I usually drink a lot of water. I didn't get naseous, but all my extremities got tingly and sleepy feeling and I was clammy for a couple minutes after.
Doctor or chalk it up to a weird one time occurence?
Thanks!
This wasn't a question I was going to ask, but I saw the question about fainting a couple days ago and the answers have made me think again. My circumstances are somewhat different, which is why I'm asking.
I was traveling in a hot, humid tropical climate a month or so ago. I felt somewhat sick, fell asleep very early, and then got up to go to the bathroom around 6am. I was fine walking to the bathroom, but when I got off the toilet and started to walk back to the bed, I passed out and fell to the floor, hitting my chin on a bedpost on the way.
I know I do have somewhat low blood pressure, I have never fainted before, otherwise healthy 24 yr old female. My parents seemed to think since it had happened just once it was no big deal and not worth going to the doctor for. I could have possible been dehydrated, as I usually drink a lot of water. I didn't get naseous, but all my extremities got tingly and sleepy feeling and I was clammy for a couple minutes after.
Doctor or chalk it up to a weird one time occurence?
Thanks!
IANAD. I would mention it to my doctor the next time I am in. I wouldn't make a special appointment for it.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 9:54 AM on January 25, 2011
posted by Mister Fabulous at 9:54 AM on January 25, 2011
Yes, always go to the doctor the first time you faint. It's probably a one time thing, but it could be a more serious condition, and it's better to know for sure.
posted by yeolcoatl at 10:05 AM on January 25, 2011
posted by yeolcoatl at 10:05 AM on January 25, 2011
I passed out twice in college - once very early in the morning (when your blood pressure is lower anyway) when I got a tetanus shot, and once from heatstroke and sunburn. My blood pressure is also low - 120 over 80 is way too high for my normal; I run far closer to the 90 over 60 side of things.
I was fine. The once was seriously because I was barely awake and I stood up way too fast; the second time was because I was sunburned within an inch of my life. This is not to say that you ARE fine - but I passed out in the presence of medical personnel the first time and they were unconcerned. If it happens AGAIN though, doctor.
posted by Medieval Maven at 10:24 AM on January 25, 2011
I was fine. The once was seriously because I was barely awake and I stood up way too fast; the second time was because I was sunburned within an inch of my life. This is not to say that you ARE fine - but I passed out in the presence of medical personnel the first time and they were unconcerned. If it happens AGAIN though, doctor.
posted by Medieval Maven at 10:24 AM on January 25, 2011
Possibly orthostatic hypotension -- not a huge deal, but maybe mention it to your doctor the next time.
posted by pised at 10:36 AM on January 25, 2011
posted by pised at 10:36 AM on January 25, 2011
I had the same thing happen under similar circumstances and conditions. I went to the doctor and they did not take it lightly. I got the following tests:
1. Complete blood panel plus lots of optional tests.
2. 24 hour Holter monitoring with a battery pack and electrodes.
3. Cardiac EKG.
4. Cardiac ultrasound.
5. Cardiac stress test on a treadmill.
I read a lot about people getting unnecessary tests, and it's definitely a problem. On the other hand, I also read about people dying of undiagnosed conditions that could have been managed with a minimum of preventative care. You have to make up your own mind, but for me, the peace of mind was worth the cost.
posted by letitrain at 10:38 AM on January 25, 2011
1. Complete blood panel plus lots of optional tests.
2. 24 hour Holter monitoring with a battery pack and electrodes.
3. Cardiac EKG.
4. Cardiac ultrasound.
5. Cardiac stress test on a treadmill.
I read a lot about people getting unnecessary tests, and it's definitely a problem. On the other hand, I also read about people dying of undiagnosed conditions that could have been managed with a minimum of preventative care. You have to make up your own mind, but for me, the peace of mind was worth the cost.
posted by letitrain at 10:38 AM on January 25, 2011
IANAD.
This happens to me once a year at least, I have low blood pressure and often have blood sugar issues that lead to this. Mention it to your doc, but if you happened to skip dinner that night when you went to bed early after feeling sick, it might've just been low blood sugar.
posted by edbles at 10:38 AM on January 25, 2011
This happens to me once a year at least, I have low blood pressure and often have blood sugar issues that lead to this. Mention it to your doc, but if you happened to skip dinner that night when you went to bed early after feeling sick, it might've just been low blood sugar.
posted by edbles at 10:38 AM on January 25, 2011
If you have a GP, call their office and ask if they think it's a big enough deal to warrant being specifically seen.
posted by KathrynT at 11:02 AM on January 25, 2011
posted by KathrynT at 11:02 AM on January 25, 2011
People, this is simple. The internet is not where you ask this question. Call your doctor's office, or local hospital, and ask to speak to a nurse for advice on whether or not to come in.
He or she will ask relevant questions, and give you expert advice, unsullied by anecdotal opinions from laymen like (most of) we Mefites.
posted by IAmBroom at 11:08 AM on January 25, 2011
He or she will ask relevant questions, and give you expert advice, unsullied by anecdotal opinions from laymen like (most of) we Mefites.
posted by IAmBroom at 11:08 AM on January 25, 2011
Okay, I am abroad so I hope they don't want to do a ton of tests on me (which I am guessing they will ...) but I have good insurance and no reason not to go, so I guess I will.
Thanks!
posted by queens86 at 11:43 AM on January 25, 2011
Thanks!
posted by queens86 at 11:43 AM on January 25, 2011
The human body is incredibly mysterious. For example, sometimes people faint after urinating, and there's a name for it: micturition syncope.
posted by knile at 2:29 PM on January 25, 2011
posted by knile at 2:29 PM on January 25, 2011
Heatstroke seems likely. Recovery can take longer than you think. You should see your doctor before doing any strenuous exercise.
posted by embrangled at 4:37 PM on January 25, 2011
posted by embrangled at 4:37 PM on January 25, 2011
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posted by MsKim at 9:50 AM on January 25, 2011