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Seek Doctor's Attention For Syncope

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The medical term is syncope. Put in simplest terms, syncope is the short term and abrupt loss of consciousness with complete return to normal.

Essentially syncope can be described as passing out. It is relatively common. Eight out of ten people will have a syncopal episode before they are thirty. Men and women are affected equally, but there is no doubt these episodes increase as we get older.

In the vast majority of cases syncope is caused by a short-term problem, perhaps dehydration or a viral illness of some sort. But there are also serious causes like anemia, neurologic issues and irregular heartbeats. That is why you should call your doctor if you experience an episode of syncope or have any concerns.

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