Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Fainting Episodes In A Child?
Question: Hello, my 12 year old daughter has fainted several times during the last year, including three times since January. Most of the faints happen either after getting out of bed to get a drink of water at night or after getting up in the morning. Her pediatrician had her get an ECG and it came back normal. My daughter also has had her blood pressure taken in various positions. The pediatrician advised us to get her to drink more water eat more salt. She does continue to have fainting episodes, however. My question is whether my daughter needs any additional tests done to determine the cause of fainting, or, is the ECG sufficient? Thank you, Anamarie
Brief Answer:
Other investigations should be done for proper evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
There can be various causes of fainting attack(syncope).It can be due to abnormal neurocardiogenic reflex, decreased pumping of the heart(decreased contractility,decreased/increased heart rate or valvular problem) or in some other conditions like low blood sugar,decreased fluid intake,thyroid deficiency and adrenal insufficiency.
Evaluation of syncope should be done in a step wise manner.The first is recording of blood pressure in various posture and after applying stress.Then blood sugar should be checked along with EKG.
Few cardiac condition needs to be evaluated by echocardiography (valvular heart disease) as it is difficult to pick them in EKG.
If all these tests are normal one should get thyroid profile and EEG(to rule out seizure as it can mimic syncope) done.
In some cases of all these tests can be normal.
Then the probability of neurocardiogenic syncope increases and it should be managed conservatively like increased fluid or salt intake.
So I would suggest you to consult your physician and discuss about the need of all these investigations.
I will be glad to answer if you have any more queries.
Regards
Other investigations should be done for proper evaluation
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
There can be various causes of fainting attack(syncope).It can be due to abnormal neurocardiogenic reflex, decreased pumping of the heart(decreased contractility,decreased/increased heart rate or valvular problem) or in some other conditions like low blood sugar,decreased fluid intake,thyroid deficiency and adrenal insufficiency.
Evaluation of syncope should be done in a step wise manner.The first is recording of blood pressure in various posture and after applying stress.Then blood sugar should be checked along with EKG.
Few cardiac condition needs to be evaluated by echocardiography (valvular heart disease) as it is difficult to pick them in EKG.
If all these tests are normal one should get thyroid profile and EEG(to rule out seizure as it can mimic syncope) done.
In some cases of all these tests can be normal.
Then the probability of neurocardiogenic syncope increases and it should be managed conservatively like increased fluid or salt intake.
So I would suggest you to consult your physician and discuss about the need of all these investigations.
I will be glad to answer if you have any more queries.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
