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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
teen son fainting
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
teen son fainting
by Louise, Oct 31, 2002 12:00AM
I woke my son up this morning, as he said he wanted me to help him change his earring before school. He got right out of bed and went to the bathroom. We put his earring in without to much difficulty and he said he had to go to the bathroom. While urinating he fell over on the floor and fainted. He was making a snoring nose. His brother and I tried to wake him. I ran to call 911 and while I was on the phone he came too (was out for maybe a minute). The last he remembered was feeling slightly sick to his stomach and dizzy all of a sudden. He seemed fine, but the EMTs took all of his vitals (including blood sugar). Only think elevated was his pulse was 95. Everything else was normal. I took him to the doctor and they don't think we should run any tests unless it happens again. He had been feeling sick to his stomach alot a couple weeks ago, but has not complained about it recently. He gets reflux, but seems to go in periods and then will be fine for a long time.
Is there anything I should be worried about? I want to mention that he had his ear pierced about two months ago and got dizzy and almost passed out at that time. The room went black and he got sweaty and cold. We had to wait about 20 minutes before we could leave after the piercing. Nothing like that has happened since. He is 17, 6'1" tall and weighs about 160 pounds. Alot of his growth has been in the last year or two.
Thanks for your help.
Louise
Is there anything I should be worried about? I want to mention that he had his ear pierced about two months ago and got dizzy and almost passed out at that time. The room went black and he got sweaty and cold. We had to wait about 20 minutes before we could leave after the piercing. Nothing like that has happened since. He is 17, 6'1" tall and weighs about 160 pounds. Alot of his growth has been in the last year or two.
Thanks for your help.
Louise
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-DT, Oct 31, 2002 12:00AM
Thank you for visiting the family practice forum.
Your son appears to have had what is known as a "Vasovagal" episode. In layman's terms, he has had an exeperince which has caused a blood pressure drop and resultant dizziness. There are many causes for these types of episodes including,
1. having a bowel movement or urinating (particularly when one is in a hurry)
2. Experiencing pain or nausea associated with acid refulx OR some other abdominal pain.
I think he should have an EKG and be looked at further in regard to evaluation of this possible "reflux" problem. However, I really think that this sounds like a normal "Vasovagal" episode ... one which can have significant symptoms ... but overall the body is fine.
I hope this helps.
Your son appears to have had what is known as a "Vasovagal" episode. In layman's terms, he has had an exeperince which has caused a blood pressure drop and resultant dizziness. There are many causes for these types of episodes including,
1. having a bowel movement or urinating (particularly when one is in a hurry)
2. Experiencing pain or nausea associated with acid refulx OR some other abdominal pain.
I think he should have an EKG and be looked at further in regard to evaluation of this possible "reflux" problem. However, I really think that this sounds like a normal "Vasovagal" episode ... one which can have significant symptoms ... but overall the body is fine.
I hope this helps.
Starion
I have heard a LOT of stories about this happening to people with various piercings...something about it makes the "squeemish" and prone to fainting even if they don't think of it as a big deal. In fact I had my cartlidge pierced a while ago and changing the earring was mildly painful. I didn't faint, but after it was done I noticed I was sweaty and kind of shaky.
I really wouldn't worry about it too much unless, like the doc said, it happens again.
Cardiac episodes can cause syncope ( Fainting) They come on with or without warning.
I would deffinately look into having more then an EKG ...as these are mainly for Arrythmia's.Especially for someone so young.. if there is a problem with the conduction ( Electrical circuit of the heart ,natural pace-maker)then a holter moniter is needed. Sometimes a moniter such as this is worn for more then 48 hour's...this is if the attack's are spaced far apart..hoping to pick up any conduction abnormalitie's.
The recent ear piercing ,I don't beleive is an issue,however if your son has any valular dysfunction ,there is a slight risk that any invasive procedure can introduce bacteria on the faulty valve and cause arrythmia's,which can cause syncope as well as endocarditis....
BETTER TO BE SAFE........ it is not normal to faint at 17.
I say this not to scare ,but out of genuine concern.....