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What Causes Frequent Fainting Spells?

why did i pass out?

Hi:

My name is James Kiser. 64 years old. been diabetic since 14. I'm now on a kidney transplane waiting list.

Have heart problems for past 15 years, blockages.

Circulation problems, I'm cold all the time now.

Since the first of this year, I've been getting up sick

not every day but (2) /(3) times each week, headacke and neausa. I've taken Tyndall and gone back to bed and am able to get up a couple of hours later. The longer I stay the sicker I get, two times passed out and fell in the floor.

I drive 50 miles to work and one day I was just about to work and this illness hit me. I had to be helped to my desk and about two hours later I was OK.

So far my doctors don't have an answer.

What causes a person to pass out?

Thanks

James Kiser

YYYY@YYYY

Wed, 30 Jul 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Thank you for the query Mr. Kiser.
From the information provided, you are 64yrs old, diabetic (since the age of 14yrs) with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) awaiting a transplant, and having Cardiac problems (for 15 yrs).
There can be two reasons for your passing out - Diabetes (with ESRD) and Cardiac problem.
Firstly, Diabetic subjects with ESRD are proaned to get hypoglycemic attacks (low blood sugar levels), which can cause them to pass out. Warning symptoms (like sweating, palpitations etc) may not always be present, specially in long term diabetics (as in your case), since the autonomic nervous system may be blunted. In such case keeping glucose biscuits/glucose water with you may help out. Also, you may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medications, if the reason for your passing out is hypoglycemia.
Secondly, Cardiac causes can also lead to dizziness/unconsciousness. Some basic investigations like ECG and Echocardiography can help out. If you are having Coronary artery disease, you will need a management plan for the same. Cardiac arrythmias can also cause this and a 24 hrs Holter monitor may help. A carotid artery doppler may help to rule out carotid artery disease, which can cause one to pass out.
The cause I have provided are generalised, as per you history. However, the exact cause can be elicited only after examining you, which can be best done by your treating physician. As per the cause, the treatment can be started.
Hope this helps you out.
Regards,
Dr. Ayusmati Thakur
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What Causes Frequent Fainting Spells?

Thank you for the query Mr. Kiser. From the information provided, you are 64yrs old, diabetic (since the age of 14yrs) with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) awaiting a transplant, and having Cardiac problems (for 15 yrs). There can be two reasons for your passing out - Diabetes (with ESRD) and Cardiac problem. Firstly, Diabetic subjects with ESRD are proaned to get hypoglycemic attacks (low blood sugar levels), which can cause them to pass out. Warning symptoms (like sweating, palpitations etc) may not always be present, specially in long term diabetics (as in your case), since the autonomic nervous system may be blunted. In such case keeping glucose biscuits/glucose water with you may help out. Also, you may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medications, if the reason for your passing out is hypoglycemia. Secondly, Cardiac causes can also lead to dizziness/unconsciousness. Some basic investigations like ECG and Echocardiography can help out. If you are having Coronary artery disease, you will need a management plan for the same. Cardiac arrythmias can also cause this and a 24 hrs Holter monitor may help. A carotid artery doppler may help to rule out carotid artery disease, which can cause one to pass out. The cause I have provided are generalised, as per you history. However, the exact cause can be elicited only after examining you, which can be best done by your treating physician. As per the cause, the treatment can be started. Hope this helps you out. Regards, Dr. Ayusmati Thakur