There are many different triggers that can cause a fainting episode, these include:

• Dehydration from not drinking enough
• Hot or warm environments
• Standing for long periods
• Standing up too fast
• Stressful situations, such as seeing blood or getting a needle
• Hunger from not eating properly, especially in the morning
• Lack of activity (weak muscles) 
• Hair-pulling 
• After exercise
• Hormones during teenage years

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It is common to have “warning signs” before fainting, these include:

• Dizziness 
• Lightheadedness  
• Nausea 
• Changes in vision (spots or dark vision) 
• Feeling hot or cold 
• Hearing muffled/ringing sounds          
• Looking pale
• Feeling heart rate going fast or slow 

It is also common for others to observe some stiffening or seizure-like activity while you are unconscious. It is common to feel tired after fainting.

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As soon as you feel like you may faint:

• Lie down flat immediately – do not fight it! this step is very important
• Once lying down, you may raise your legs above the ground, using a chair or pillow for support
• Remain in this position until the symptoms go away (this will likely be several minutes) 
• After you are feeling better, get up slowly (for example, go from lying to sitting, wait and then slowly go from sitting to standing

Recovery is often quick, but some people may take longer to recover than others. It is normal to feel weak or disoriented afterwards. This will get better in time.

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There are simple ways to prevent fainting. Some strategies include:

• Stay well hydrated. aim for a goal of drinking at least 2L (or more!) of fluids per day. your pee should only be a light yellow colour. you need to drink even more water when physically active. 
• Minimize caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea. no energy drinks.
• Do not limit salt intake. consider increasing salt intake by adding 1-5 grams (5 grams= 1 tsp) of salt to your food throughout the day. 
• Small frequent healthy snacks are often helpful. do not skip breakfast.
• Continue to participate in regular physical activity. this will help to strengthen the muscles in your legs, which will help pump blood back to the heart. make sure that you have an adequate warm-up and cool down before and after activities.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long period of time without changing position. if you are standing for a long period of time, flex or move your legs often. exercises such as placing your elbows out to the sides, interlocking your fingers and pulling to stretch your arms or crossing your legs and squeezing your knees together (as though trying to squeeze a coin between your kneecap and the back of your leg) can help when sitting or standing for a long time.
• Avoid long hot showers, saunas and hot tubs.
• Get up gradually. for example, instead of jumping out of bed rapidly, sit up first, do a few exercises and then stand up.

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If you have another similar type of fainting episode that does not result in an injury, it is not necessary to go to the hospital or to call 911. 

In a very small number of children, fainting may be caused by a reason other than vasovagal syncope. You need to see your physician if:

• Fainting occurs during or in the middle of activity (before you have a chance to stop the activity)
• You have tried the suggestions above and are still having fainting
• Fainting occurs unpredictably and in dangerous situations
• You have a family history of unexplained sudden death in young people

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