Syncope in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is syncope?

Syncope is also called fainting or passing out. Syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness, followed by a fall from a standing or sitting position. Syncope is usually not a serious problem, and children usually recover quickly after an episode. Syncope can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be treated.

What signs and symptoms may happen before a syncope episode?

• Loss of consciousness
• Pale, cold, clammy, or sweaty skin
• Fast breathing and a racing, pounding heartbeat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or a headache
• Fatigue or weakness

What causes or increases my child's risk for syncope?

Syncope may happen when your child holds his or her breath. The following are other common causes in children:

• Straining during bowel movements, a cough or sneeze, or a stressful or fearful situation
• Dehydration, pain, or being tired
• Exercise
• Emotional stress, or being scared
• A rapid drop in blood pressure after a body position change, such as moving from lying to sitting or standing
• A heart condition, such as a narrow artery or an irregular heartbeat
• Problems with the blood vessels of your child's brain
• A medical condition that affects your child's lungs, such as pneumonia or asthma

How is the cause of syncope diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and when they started. The provider may ask what triggers your child's syncope. Your child may need any of the following tests:

• Blood tests may be done to check child's your electrolyte levels, such as sodium. Your child's blood sugar level may also be checked. Electrolyte problems or a low blood sugar level can cause syncope. Your child's provider will use a glucose meter to test a drop of blood from your child's finger.
• An EKG is a test that records a short period of electrical activity in your child's heart. An ECG is done to check for heart damage or problems.
• An EEG records a tracing of brain wave activity from different parts of your child's brain.
• An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your child's heart.
• A tilt table test is used to check your child's blood pressure when he or she changes positions. This may be used if your child is fainting often.

How is syncope treated?

Your child does not need medicine or other treatments for his or her syncope. The symptoms will go away on their own when blood flow returns to normal. He or she may need any of the following medicines to prevent syncope from happening again:

• Blood pressure medicine can help your child's heart pump strongly and regularly.
• Steroid medicine can help your child's body balance fluids and salts. This will help prevent his or her blood pressure from dropping too low and causing syncope.

What can I do to manage my child's syncope?

• Keep a record of your child's syncope episodes. Include your child's symptoms and his or her activity before and after the episode. The record can help your child's healthcare provider find the cause of his or her syncope and help manage episodes.
• Tell your child to sit or lie down when needed. This includes when your child feels dizzy, his or her throat is getting tight, and vision changes.
• Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths if he or she starts to breathe faster with anxiety or fear. This can help decrease dizziness and the feeling that he or she might faint.

How can I help my child prevent syncope?

• Help your child know and avoid triggers. Certain events may bring on syncope. These events may cause your child to feel under pressure, upset, or fearful. When your child feels the symptoms, he or she can make movements to prevent a syncope episode. For example, have your child make a fist, cross his or her legs, or tighten arm muscles. Your child should not lock his or her legs while standing.
• Tell your child to move slowly from one position to another. This is very important when your child changes from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. Before your child stands up, have him or her sit on the side of the bed or couch for a few minutes. Then have your child take some deep breaths before he or she stands. Your child needs to stand slowly to prevent an episode. If your child is on bedrest, try to help him or her be upright for about 2 hours each day, or as directed.
• Follow recommendations from your child's healthcare provider. Your child may need to drink more liquids to prevent dehydration. Your child may need to have more sodium (salt) to keep his or her blood pressure from dropping too low. Your child's provider will tell you how much liquid and sodium your child should have each day. The provider will also tell you how much physical activity is safe for your child. Your child may not be able to play certain sports or do some activities, depending on the cause of the episodes.
• Watch for signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, nervousness, sweating, and fast or fluttery heartbeats. Talk with your child's provider about ways to keep your child's blood sugar level steady.
• Be careful in hot weather. Heat can cause a syncope episode. Limit your child's outdoor activity on hot days. Physical activity in hot weather can lead to dehydration that triggers an episode.

Call your local emergency department (911 in the US) if:

• Your child loses consciousness and does not wake up.
• Your child has chest pain and trouble breathing.
• Your child has a seizure.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child faints, hits his or her head, and is bleeding.
• Your child faints when he or she exercises.
• Your child faints more than 1 time.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• Your child has a headache, a fast heartbeat, or feels too dizzy to stand up.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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