• Compresssion Stockings
    • Compression Socks
    • Support Stockings
  • Leg Wellness
    • Cellulite Control
    • Compression Therapy
    • Compression Classifications
    • Graduated Compression
  • Q & A and News
    • Compression Stockings News
    • Questions and Answers related to Graduated Compression and Support Hosiery
  • Tips & How To
    • My Experiences with Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings & More

Compression stockings, support hosiery, compression socks

  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • PRIVACY
  • FREEBIES
  • POLICIES AND TERMS
    • COPYRIGHT
    • ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE / DISCLAIMER
  • BLOG POPULARITY
    • CURRENT TOP 10 POSTS
You are here: Home / Compression Therapy / How can Compression Stockings Help with Syncope?

How can Compression Stockings Help with Syncope?

December 13, 2011 Gregory 10 Comments




What is Syncope and how can Compression Stockings help?

According to its medical definition syncope (fainting) is described as a partial or complete loss of consciousness as a result of inadequate blood flow to the brain.  This can also be accompanied by an interruption of a person’s self-awareness and/or the awareness of one’s surroundings.

In most cases, after such a fainting episode the person regains consciousness almost immediately but can briefly remain in a state of confusion.  If the confusion after the syncope lasts more than 30 seconds, it is also possible that the individual has experienced some type of seizure activity.

Often there are precursors signaling an impending syncope event such as nausea, irregular heartbeats or lightheadedness.  Individuals who experience syncope on a fairly regular basis learn to recognize the signs and may be able to take actions such as laying or sitting and elevating their legs to prevent fainting.

Compression stockings can help with syncope by optimizing the blood flow in the legs and thereby improving the blood circulation overall.

Causes of Syncope

Unfortunately there are many possible causes of syncope and to discuss them in depth here would go far beyond the intended scope of this article.  Therefore we are simply giving a very brief overview of possible causes and types of syncope.  Luckily most causes of fainting are not life threatening events and the affected individuals usually recover very quickly.

That being said it must be noted that heart related (cardiac) causes of fainting that are indeed life-threatening to the point of sudden death and must therefore receive immediate medical attention.


Life Threatening Causes of Syncope!!!

These highly dangerous causes of syncope include conditions and disorders that obstruct the blood flow through the heart and problems associated with the rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias).  In any case, because syncope can be life threatening, it is most important to seek immediate medical attention to determine the exact cause and whether the patient is at risk of dying.

Syncope is responsible for up to 3% of emergency room visits annually and for approximately 6% of hospital admissions in the USA.

Other Common Fainting (Syncope) Causes

The common fainting spell, medically also known as vasovagal syncope, is the most frequent cause of syncope.  This occurs when a person gets up and gravity causes blood to pool in the lower half of the body because the blood vessels do not constrict like they should upon standing.  This causes the individuals blood pressure to quickly drop.  It is frequently seen in individuals who have been diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension.

Stimulus induced or situational syncope.  This occurs when a “stimulus” to certain nerves triggers an exaggerated neurological reflex (for example emotional stress, anxiety, fear, hunger, pain or even the use of drugs or alcohol).

Postural syncope happens to people when lying down, where the individual may feel perfectly well and alert but suddenly faints after standing up.  This can happen due to low circulating blood volume from blood loss, or impaired circulatory reflexes when starting or changing cardiovascular medications.

Neurological syncope is a fainting episode resulting from a neurological event such as a stroke, seizure, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or less frequently from migraines.

In 30-40% of all cases the exact cause of the syncope remains unknown.

Treatment Options for Syncope:

Due to the risk that fainting can be caused by a very serious condition, all occurrences of syncope must be taken seriously and should be evaluated by a medical care practitioner as soon as possible.

Depending on the results of your evaluation and the underlying cause of syncope, the treatment goal is primarily to prevent a recurrence of the fainting event.

This can be achieved with one or more of the following:

  • Taking new medications or making changes to your current medications
  • Wearing compression stockings or other support hosiery to improve the return blood circulation in the legs to the heart
  • Taking special precautions when switching positions (e.g. from sitting to standing)
  • Making changes in one’s diet such as eating small meals more frequently; increasing fluid, salt and potassium intake and avoiding alcohol and/or caffeine
  • Elevating the head of the bed (this can be accomplished by using extra pillows or placing risers under the legs of the head of the bed).
  • Avoiding the situations or “triggers” that cause a syncope episode
  • Pacemaker implant to regulate the heart rate (only for specific medical conditions)
  • Implant of a cardiac defibrillator (ICD).  This device constantly monitors your heart rate and rhythm and corrects a fast, abnormal rhythm (for specific medical conditions)

 

Your health care providers will develop a treatment strategy that is tailored to your individual needs and your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you.

Some states require that patients diagnosed with syncope must notify the state driver’s license bureau. Check your state regulations to be sure.

Special Tips

Syncope Self-Care (until medical help arrives)

  • Help the individual who has fainted to the floor (if this is possible) to decrease the risk of injury.
  • Stimulate the individual energetically (yelling, vigorously tapping). Immediately call 911 if the individual does not respond.
  • Check for a pulse and begin CPR, if necessary.
  • After the person improves, encourage him or her to lie down until medical help arrives. Even if you believe the cause of the fainting may be harmless, have the person lie down for 15-20 minutes before attempting to get up.
  • Ask about any persistent symptoms, such as chest pain, headache, back pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, weakness, etc. because these may indicate a life-threatening cause of the syncope.

If you liked this post please let us know by clicking the Facebook like button or the G+1 button below. We also appreciate any comments and personal experiences you have to contribute.



Related posts:

  1. Can Compression Stockings Help With Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
  2. Can Compression Stockings Help With Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
  3. Can Compression Stockings Increase Or Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
  4. Can Compression Stockings Help With Venous Reflux Disease?
  5. Can Compression Stockings Help With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

Compression Therapy, Questions and Answers related to Graduated Compression and Support Hosiery, Tips & How To Compression Hosiery, Compression Stockings, Compression Therapy, Orthostatic Hypotension, Orthostatic Intolerance, Q & A and News

Comments

  1. D. Raghu Ram says

    April 15, 2017 at 12:15 am

    Excellent analysis and has helped me enormously

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    June 3, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    Hello , you are good writer, i love http://www.compressionstockingssite.com

    Reply
  3. Luigi F. says

    August 10, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Great post.

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    July 10, 2012 at 9:36 am

    I learned alot by reading your article. I have been reading your blog alot over the past few days and it has earned a place in my bookmarks.

    Reply
  5. Cara says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Your website is very educational. Thanks for posting those good articles.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    March 16, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    Cool post thanks!

    Reply
  7. Deane P. says

    January 23, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    You have made my day! Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    January 23, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    This was a great post, thank you for the help.

    Reply
  9. A. Shin says

    January 20, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    It looks like you are in the know regarding this.

    Reply
  10. Rosaura C. says

    January 5, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    Would like to state that this is very beneficial, thanks for taking your time to write this.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Translate This Site By Choosing Your Language Below

MOST POPULAR POSTS

  • How Tight Is Too Tight When Wearing Compression Stockings? 119k views
  • Are You Using Your Compression Stockings Correctly? 50.5k views
  • Debunking 10 Common Myths About Compression Stockings 49.6k views
  • Can Compression Stockings Increase Or Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? 47.8k views
  • Is there a Difference between Anti-Embolism Stockings and Other Compression Stockings? 41.1k views
  • Can Compression Stockings Cause Your Legs To Itch? 32.3k views
  • Top Complaints About Wearing Compression Stockings 32k views
  • Can Compression Socks or Stockings Help With Arthritis? 31.7k views
  • Why You Should Wear Flight Socks Even If You Are Not The Pilot 31.2k views
  • Compression Stockings And Summer Fun – How To Strike A Healthy Balance 29.5k views
  • Could Zipper Compression Stockings Be The Answer For You? 28k views
  • Can Compression Stockings Help with Shin Splints? 23.2k views
  • Can Compression Stockings Help With Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)? 23.1k views
  • How Can Compression Stockings Help if You have Diabetes? 21.9k views
  • How Can Compression Socks Or Foot Sleeves Help With Plantar Fasciitis (PF)? 20.1k views

Categories

  • Cellulite Control
  • Compression Classifications
  • Compression Socks
  • Compression Stockings News
  • Compression Therapy
  • Compresssion Stockings
  • Graduated Compression
  • Leg Wellness
  • My Experiences with Compression Stockings
  • Questions and Answers related to Graduated Compression and Support Hosiery
  • Support Stockings
  • Tips & How To

LATEST POSTS

  • Can Compression Stockings Help With Lipedema?
  • How Can Compression Socks Or Foot Sleeves Help With Plantar Fasciitis (PF)?
  • Can Compression Stockings Prevent Muscle Damage During Competitive Marathon Running?
  • JOBST(R) UltraSheer Knee High Stockings Now Feature New SoftFit(TM) Technology
  • Innovative Pressure Monitoring Stockings For Diabetics

Related Posts (YARPP)

  1. Can Compression Stockings Help With Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
  2. Can Compression Stockings Help With Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?
  3. Can Compression Stockings Increase Or Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
  4. Can Compression Stockings Help With Venous Reflux Disease?
  5. Can Compression Stockings Help With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?

Recent Comments

  • https://weekend4you.com/contact-us/ on Compression Stockings And Summer Fun – How To Strike A Healthy Balance
  • mom on Could Zipper Compression Stockings Be The Answer For You?
  • mom on Could Zipper Compression Stockings Be The Answer For You?
  • Mike on The Price You Could Pay For Not Wearing Compression Stockings When You Should
  • Michele on Can Compression Stockings Increase Or Cause High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

Helpful Links

  • American College of Phlebology
  • DYSAUTONOMIA INFO
  • Flying and DVT
  • North American Thrombosis Forum
  • Prevent DVT
  • Vascular Health
free counters

BLOG ARCHIVE

  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010

Pages

  • ABOUT
  • PRIVACY
  • CONTACT
  • POLICIES AND TERMS
    • COPYRIGHT
    • ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE / DISCLAIMER
  • BLOG POPULARITY
    • CURRENT TOP 10 POSTS
  • FREEBIES

Copyright © 2025 · Daily Dish Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Please read our Privacy page. Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT