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What Causes Fainting Spells, Pressure In The Chest And Ringing In The Ears?
Question: Hi I have these micro fainting spells. They are 5-10seconds in length and I can be sitting or laying down. I am conscious and aware while they happen. Pressure builds in my chest and gead and my ears ring followed by a fainting sensation.
Brief Answer:
Several possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There can be several causes to the symptoms you describe.
First some blood pressure measurements are necessary as surges in blood pressure may cause these symptoms.
Hormonal changes may be also a cause. I see you are at an age where menopause is an issue and the hormonal changes it brings about may typically manifest the way you describe them.
Another cause may be inner ear issues like benign paroxysmal vertigo which manifests with short spells of dizziness, commonly when changing head position.
Heart arrhythmias may also cause episodes of fainting or near fainting.
So I think evaluation should include blood pressure measurements, an EKG and some routine blood tests for metabolic issues (complete blood count for anemia, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function). If those result normal one may consider in some cases with a high suspicion level, a heart rhythm and blood pressure Holter test, where a device is carried for at least 24 hours to monitor changes in rhythm or blood pressure.
If everything results normal than hormonal changes related to menopause or even anxiety should be considered most likely causes.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Several possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There can be several causes to the symptoms you describe.
First some blood pressure measurements are necessary as surges in blood pressure may cause these symptoms.
Hormonal changes may be also a cause. I see you are at an age where menopause is an issue and the hormonal changes it brings about may typically manifest the way you describe them.
Another cause may be inner ear issues like benign paroxysmal vertigo which manifests with short spells of dizziness, commonly when changing head position.
Heart arrhythmias may also cause episodes of fainting or near fainting.
So I think evaluation should include blood pressure measurements, an EKG and some routine blood tests for metabolic issues (complete blood count for anemia, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel, thyroid function). If those result normal one may consider in some cases with a high suspicion level, a heart rhythm and blood pressure Holter test, where a device is carried for at least 24 hours to monitor changes in rhythm or blood pressure.
If everything results normal than hormonal changes related to menopause or even anxiety should be considered most likely causes.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Have ruled out most things Dr feels it could meniere's disease. Have tried Serc tablets with limited success. It is not a continuous thing and only happens periodically. Can also happen while I am sleeping
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
While I mentioned an inner ear issue myself, I am a little reluctant to call it specifically Meniere as usually the episodes are longer than 5-10 seconds as you say, some episodes should pass 20 minutes. Also there should be changes in hearing on audiometry tests. However if your physician maintains that can consult an ENT specialist in order to have tests such as audiometry, electrocochleography and electronystagmography. In the meantime if Serc tablets are not working enough increasing the dosage if possible (up to 48mg a day) can be considered or using other alternatives such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
While I mentioned an inner ear issue myself, I am a little reluctant to call it specifically Meniere as usually the episodes are longer than 5-10 seconds as you say, some episodes should pass 20 minutes. Also there should be changes in hearing on audiometry tests. However if your physician maintains that can consult an ENT specialist in order to have tests such as audiometry, electrocochleography and electronystagmography. In the meantime if Serc tablets are not working enough increasing the dosage if possible (up to 48mg a day) can be considered or using other alternatives such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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