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What Causes Intermittent Fainting Spells?
Question: I have a friend who has experienced several episodes of Passing out,and has done so in the car while driving .I He just got checked out a the hospital and ruled out anything like heart trouble, circulation, any possible tumors. I told him to pursue a sleep study, and see an ENT .
Some lay people have said possible Epilepsy, but he just had through his examination, ruled that out.
Just wanted your opinion, Sir.
Thanks he is 63 years old and in good health except for this , He is afraid to drive now.
Some lay people have said possible Epilepsy, but he just had through his examination, ruled that out.
Just wanted your opinion, Sir.
Thanks he is 63 years old and in good health except for this , He is afraid to drive now.
Brief Answer:
it has to be cardiological or neurological issue
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I have been through your question and understand your concern.
The causes of loss of consciouseness are cardiac or neurological (epilepsy). Since they excluded these causes the third cause, less possible, is psychiatric issue to be evaluated by a psychiatrisy.
Anyway, I would have another cardiological and epileptilogical consult and a review of the MRI to definitely rule out cardiological and neurological consult.
It is very unlikely to be otherwise.
Hope this helps.
Best regards
it has to be cardiological or neurological issue
Detailed Answer:
Hello. I have been through your question and understand your concern.
The causes of loss of consciouseness are cardiac or neurological (epilepsy). Since they excluded these causes the third cause, less possible, is psychiatric issue to be evaluated by a psychiatrisy.
Anyway, I would have another cardiological and epileptilogical consult and a review of the MRI to definitely rule out cardiological and neurological consult.
It is very unlikely to be otherwise.
Hope this helps.
Best regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Dr. Is there a medication , if it is Epilepsy,that will minimize the possibility of a future event, especially when driving, like Dilantin or some form of that , Sir? I mean is there any hope I can give him. He is a co worker ,and is a very together guy, but anxiety is not always something that one is aware of, but can cause many symptoms mimicking many Neurological Symptoms.
Thanks
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Cardiac arrhythmia is more frequent at this age
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. I think he should stop driving until the diagnosis is settled, because it can be very dangerous. In fact, once someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it is not allowed to drive for some time, till he is seizure free.
Electroencefalogram (EEG) can help on this eventuality, and once you have the diagnosis you can start the anti epileptic drug (Dilantoin is one of them) but you can not start these drugs without a certain diagnosis.
Anyway at this age, cardiac rhythm problems are the main cause of loss of consciousness, with epilepsy being less likely. That is why I suggest you to have another cardiological consult in first place, with Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Your friend should be calm and not worry, but he should be concerned on having these consults and tests done as soon as possible.
Cardiac arrhythmia is more frequent at this age
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. I think he should stop driving until the diagnosis is settled, because it can be very dangerous. In fact, once someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it is not allowed to drive for some time, till he is seizure free.
Electroencefalogram (EEG) can help on this eventuality, and once you have the diagnosis you can start the anti epileptic drug (Dilantoin is one of them) but you can not start these drugs without a certain diagnosis.
Anyway at this age, cardiac rhythm problems are the main cause of loss of consciousness, with epilepsy being less likely. That is why I suggest you to have another cardiological consult in first place, with Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Your friend should be calm and not worry, but he should be concerned on having these consults and tests done as soon as possible.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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