Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, weakness, narrowed vision and falls, where the greatest risk is injury during the fall itself

Blood sampling, which is often part of basic diagnostic methods, is for some people a very difficult experience and can lead to loss of consciousness at that moment.

Dr. Jordan Gaines Lewis explains that such a reaction to blood or taking blood has a very specific physiological explanation and is not necessarily a sign of a “weak stomach”, but a reflex closely related to the way our nervous system protects the brain. Loss of consciousness at the sight of blood has its own name: vasovagal syncope. This is a condition in which the body reacts suddenly, the heart and blood vessels change their rhythm, blood pressure drops and the brain temporarily receives less blood and oxygen than it needs.

At the core of this process is the vagus nerve, one of the main nerves that connects the brain to the internal organs. When a certain part of the brain stem is activated, processes can be initiated that slow the heartbeat and reduce its strength, or dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. The result is similar: the body “places” you in a horizontal position, often without warning, because in this position blood reaches the brain more easily. It sounds scary, but there is logic in this reaction. It is as if the body, before you know what is happening, makes the fastest movement to restore balance.

The author for Psychology Today points out that the following symptoms warn of loss of consciousness: dizziness, noise or buzzing in the ears, sweating, weakness, vision problems and difficulty speaking. After that comes the fall, which is the most dangerous because of possible injuries, even though the syncope itself usually lasts a little, Telegrafi reports.

The cause is not only blood. Even standing for a long time, high temperatures, hunger, dehydration, as well as strong stress or intense emotions can activate the same mechanism.

Researchers believe that we all have this reflex to some extent when faced with a serious injury. There is also an evolutionary theory that makes this phenomenon even more interesting: it is possible that the loss of consciousness once had a protective role.

An expert from the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Fred Jäger, explains that in the past, losing consciousness could make a person appear dead, stopping further attack. It is also believed that lowering heart rate and blood pressure can help slow down bleeding in case of injury, although it is still not entirely clear why some people are more prone to these episodes, whether due to genetics, hormones or a combination of different factors.

The advice is simple: if you feel dizziness, narrowing of vision or cold sweat, it is better to sit down or lie down immediately. This is the fastest way to protect yourself from falling and help the body stabilize. If the loss of consciousness occurs frequently, for no apparent reason, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical help.

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Source: prizrenpost