Fainting

Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness accompanied by brief loss of consciousness, associated with insufficient oxygen in the brain. The cause is usually a disturbance in blood circulation due to fatigue, pain, shock, abnormal blood pressure, arterial blockage, or heart failure. The person fainting should be placed in a position that will quickly bring blood to the brain, and other aid to blood circulation should be instituted. The cause of fainting should be quickly determined so that further appropriate action can be taken. See First Aid.