Fainting and lack of energy

[Courts1991]

Hi, im 17, my health in general is normally pretty good, but earlier on this year i started collapsing, for reasons i dont yet know. it has lasted over six months from about january. it doesnt happen everyday but when it does it leaves me feeling extremely lethagic and weak. the first time it happened it lasted over a week, i kept blanking out at any given moment and my appetite became non existant, whereas normally i am quite a big eater. i want to find out what may have caused this to happen so i can stop it from reoccuring. i am currently doing my A-levels but have coped with stress like this before so i didnt think it could have been the cause. i am a little scared now as it happened again recently during one of my exams, and i dont want to fail because of it.
I have been to see a doctor, but the problem is the persons i spoke to said its dues to lack of fluids, and that alone.
The good thing is i at least know i do not have epilepsy because my step brother had it before he passed. (i couldn't have inherited it) so i know the symptoms well.
I read some things about it, and am concerned by the reality that it could be serious.
I heard first of all that i could have something called vasovagal syncope. im not entirely sure of its meaning but apparently i have shown some common symptoms such as loss of consciousness.
Another thing i found was being tired, difficult to engage with, feeling sick and/or loss of memory about the incident can be due to a concussion, where i have at some point experienced those things.
Don't get me wrong, im certainly no expert. this is the problem, you hear so many things, but whether they relate to you or not is a different matter.
Am i overreacting? Should i be concerned?
They say you should have plenty of rest to gain back strength but me being stubborn has not on either of occasions, and have recently been getting constant headaches and neck pain everyday, as well as very feeling tired/sleepy. is this related?

Thank you for your time.
Sorry about the very long message.

Any other comments greatly appreciated.
(Like where to seek help or who from?)

Thanks again
Courts xxxx

[Courts1991]

Hi to both of you!
Thank you for your comments.
I have spoken to someone, and i appear to have low blood pressure along side vasovagal syncope. This was not my personal doctor, but he was away at the time.
Do you think i have anything to worry about?
I have been perscribed Midodrine oral. I heard that the side effects can be bad depending on you condidtion?
I haven't fainted since taking them but get a pressured head/ligtheadedness and long periods of fatigue.
I was wondering FAIRY60 if you or your friends had experienced something similar?

Thanks

Courts xx

[fairy60]

Hi Court.  Hope you are better now.  I would suggest that if you have not already done so, that you contact the NHS direct (provided you are in UK) who could talk this through with you and give their recommendations.  They have been good with me and a few friends that I know as well.  Their contact number is 0845 46 47  (yes this is correct, it looks like it is a few digits short but its right)

Take care

Regards

fairy60

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

These episodes appear to be vasovagal syncope. Please make sure that you maintain your salt and fluid intake at all times. If you feel that you are about to blank out just lie down and elevate your legs.
Wearing compression graded stockings will also help. If you are still unable to control your symptoms, you can opt for prescription medications like beta blockers.
Also make sure you are not anemic. Anemia can also cause dizziness and faintness.
Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables.
Take care!

[Courts1991]

Im fine at the momemt thank you.
Well yes it could be stress but i have been under alot of stress before hand in the past and been fine. can it just occur without reason? If so then its a possibility.
Over the last sixth months i have been focusing hard on my A'levels, so you could say its a sure cause but like i said before, its no more than ive been used to.
The strange thing is i am a very healthly person and rarely ill, but in january i suddenly collapsed without warning,  but then it kept happening in regular intervals, and i won't even remember it happening. Ill be doing something one minute then the next thing is i've passed out in a comletly different place and couldnt tell you how i got there. It all goes completly black.
For obvious reasons this has made me anxious and scared.
It is difficult to give you any direct triggers as they have each been in a different situation.
The first time it happened i was at a gig and its also happened during one my exams as well. so in answer to your your question, not that i know of no.
Is there any medication i can take to keep these episodes at bay?

I hope this enough information for you. If not please ask me more questions.
Courts xx

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Your symptoms could be due to excessive stress and sleep deprivation. Other causes could be dehydration, low blood sugar, low or high blood pressure, ear problems, and poor eyesight.
You have mentioned vasovagal syncope; it is the most common cause of fainting which can be triggered by stress, hyperthermia, hunger, and nausea and vomiting.
Is there a trigger for your symptoms?