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What Causes Severe Stomach Cramps, Dizziness And Loss Of Consciousness?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Question: I just had an episode of sudden and severe stomach cramp, followed by dizziness and brief loss of consciousness after a meal. I then had a bowel movement, felt very cold, weak and sweat profusely. No chest pain, jaw pain, shortness of breath. Lasted for about 10 minutes then except for weakness I am feeling fine now. I have had 2 similar episodes in the last 6 years. I have had cardiology consult completed to include holter monitor, but all normal. Someone suggested hyperstimulated vegas nerve or something like that. What is my problem?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably Postprandial Hypotension

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. You most probably are having Postprandial Hypotension. After meal high quantity of blood is required in G.I tract for food digestion. For this heart must use strength to supply blood to essential organs. Now in some people heart is not able to push blood effectively as a result vitals organs including brain does not get enough blood and as a result dizziness occurs. It is also associated with other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, drug induced or other chronic illness.

b. In some cases dizziness/fainting may also occurs when blood vessels in your body dilates, as a result blood pools in dependent parts of the body like legs. In this case brain does not gets adequate oxygenation so dizziness and fainting occurs. It is termed as "Vasovagal Syncope". A sitting with medical specialist will help confirming this condition. It is treatable will lifestyle modification & medication like beta blockers.

c. Another cause which is also common is allergic response to particular food. Sometimes body gets allergic to particular food so when one eats that particular food then symptoms like dizziness, rash and/or itch may appear.

Conclusion:
I would suggest you to get an opinion from a gastroenterologist. Meanwhile don't perform any activity immediately after eating food so that you won't fall down and cause damage to brain or other parts of the body. If a patient comes to my clinic with such problems then apart from medical workup i will give following home care remedy for dizziness after food:

> Avoid skipping meals specially breakfast.
> Eat dinner at least 2 hrs before bedtime.
> Stay well hydrated by drinking adequate fluids like water.
> Avoid alcohol.
> Avoid doing sternous activity immediately after taking meal.
> Avoid food that particularly causes such spells. In you case food with higher salt content.
> take a walk in the evening. It will relieve stress and will make you fresh.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (17 minutes later)
Thank you Dr. Rauf for your detailed response with recommendation. I still want to know why the syncope is preceded by a severe abdominal cramp.

Thanks.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably due to vasovagal response

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You are most welcome. I'm available 24/7 for your help.

Thank you for getting back with the query. As mentioned earlier, syncope could be because of vasovagal response. When you eat then brain sends impulses which in return shift blood to gastrointestinal tract. As a result, blood flow to brain decreases resulting in decreased oxygen supply and hence causing syncope.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health!!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1312 Questions

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What Causes Severe Stomach Cramps, Dizziness And Loss Of Consciousness?

Brief Answer: Most probably Postprandial Hypotension Detailed Answer: Hello My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem. I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. You most probably are having Postprandial Hypotension. After meal high quantity of blood is required in G.I tract for food digestion. For this heart must use strength to supply blood to essential organs. Now in some people heart is not able to push blood effectively as a result vitals organs including brain does not get enough blood and as a result dizziness occurs. It is also associated with other conditions like hypertension, diabetes, drug induced or other chronic illness. b. In some cases dizziness/fainting may also occurs when blood vessels in your body dilates, as a result blood pools in dependent parts of the body like legs. In this case brain does not gets adequate oxygenation so dizziness and fainting occurs. It is termed as "Vasovagal Syncope". A sitting with medical specialist will help confirming this condition. It is treatable will lifestyle modification & medication like beta blockers. c. Another cause which is also common is allergic response to particular food. Sometimes body gets allergic to particular food so when one eats that particular food then symptoms like dizziness, rash and/or itch may appear. Conclusion: I would suggest you to get an opinion from a gastroenterologist. Meanwhile don't perform any activity immediately after eating food so that you won't fall down and cause damage to brain or other parts of the body. If a patient comes to my clinic with such problems then apart from medical workup i will give following home care remedy for dizziness after food: > Avoid skipping meals specially breakfast. > Eat dinner at least 2 hrs before bedtime. > Stay well hydrated by drinking adequate fluids like water. > Avoid alcohol. > Avoid doing sternous activity immediately after taking meal. > Avoid food that particularly causes such spells. In you case food with higher salt content. > take a walk in the evening. It will relieve stress and will make you fresh. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it. Wishing you good health !!