What is fainting?

• A. Temporary loss of oxygen to the brain
• B. Permanent brain damage
• C. A sign of heart failure
• D. A normal reaction to good health

Answer: (A)

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by the brain not getting enough blood (and thus oxygen) for a brief moment. When blood flow and oxygen return, consciousness is usually regained quickly. It isn’t permanent brain damage and it isn’t simply a normal state of good health; fainting can happen with dehydration, overheating, standing up too fast, or underlying heart rhythm problems, and recurrent episodes or fainting with other symptoms should be evaluated by a clinician.