Lipotimia: Loss of Consciousness and Falling
Lipotimia, also known as syncope or fainting, is an episode in which a person experiences a loss of consciousness and falls.
Prevalence and Characteristics
This phenomenon is common and affects up to 3% of the population, being more common in people over 75 years old, where it can occur in approximately 6% of cases. Although it is generally a mild condition, its severity depends on the underlying causes, and in patients with heart problems, it can be an important warning symptom.
Symptoms and their Relationship with Cerebral Blood Flow
Symptoms of lipotimia include weakness, sweating, dizziness, blurred vision, and pale skin. Lipotimia results from an alteration in cerebral blood flow that leads to loss of consciousness.
Treatment and Approach to Lipotimia Depending on its Underlying Cause
The treatment of lipotimia involves addressing the underlying disease that causes it. In general, it is necessary to lay the individual down and elevate their legs, which improves blood flow to the brain and promotes the patient’s recovery. In some cases, such as patients with heart problems, medications like beta-blockers or treatments to correct heart valve injuries may be necessary. Additionally, in cases of anxiety or panic, a benzodiazepine may be administered to reduce anxiety symptoms. In situations related to defecation, medications for constipation may be necessary, while in cases related to urination, it is recommended that the patient urinates while seated. If lipotimia is associated with alterations in blood glucose levels, it is important to maintain an adequate level of sugar and drink enough fluids in hot environments. In elderly patients, it may also be necessary to review their medication, as some medications can trigger lipotimias in this group of patients.
Diagnostic Tests and Monitoring
For the diagnosis and monitoring of lipotimia, complementary tests such as blood and urine analysis, blood pressure measurement, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring can be performed.
Triggers and Prevention
Triggers for lipotimia are related to decreased blood flow to the brain, regardless of its origin. Dehydration is a significant risk factor for lipotimia. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids in hot environments and change positions slowly, especially when lying down, to avoid sudden movements that can lead to loss of consciousness.
Medical Specialists Involved in the Treatment of Lipotimia
Medical specialists involved in the treatment of lipotimia may include family physicians, cardiologists, neurologists, and endocrinologists, depending on the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lipotimia and Related Clarifications
- In case of lipotimia, it is important to lay the patient down and elevate their legs to improve blood flow to the brain. If the situation persists or is accompanied by seizures, emergency services should be called, and objects or furniture that could cause harm to the patient should be removed.
- Syncope and lipotimia are equivalent terms, both referring to a loss of consciousness that occurs when there is a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
- Fainting occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, although the underlying cause can vary from mild conditions to severe cases. In situations of anxiety, there is no actual lack of blood flow, but the brain experiences a disconnection due to stress.
Differences between Lipotimia and Hypothermia: Characteristics and Consequences
Hypothermia is a decrease in body temperature, usually below 35 degrees Celsius. There is a disruption in respiratory and cardiac functions during hypothermia, and if left untreated, it can lead to death. During the onset of hypothermia, the patient may experience confusion, making self-recognition of hypothermia difficult. Lipotimia and hypothermia differ in that lipotimia does not involve a decrease in body temperature and the patient generally recovers spontaneously. In contrast, in hypothermia, body temperature gradually decreases, the patient shows confusion, and they will not recover unless adequately warmed.
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Clément Destoumieux
PRESENT: + 20 years in complex legal and IT projects in France, the UK and Spain Expert in BioExpert exclusive network of experts in the sectors of life science and investment. Startups coordinator of ANIS (Spanish Association of Health Journalists) Lider ehealth in Asociación Española de Start up Active member of ASEBIO (Leading Spanish Biotech Association) PAST: Sociedad Española Informática de la Salud MBA in Ecole Des Mines – Nantes Master Degree in Ipag Business School in Paris