Why is my child having blackouts

If your child seems about to faint: Have him or her lie down or sit down with the head between the knees. If your child has fainted: Have him or her lie flat with feet slightly elevated. Don't move your child if you think the fall might have caused an injury.

The most common cause of fainting is a temporary slowing of the heart rate and a drop in blood pressure. Fainting may be more likely in a closed setting or one that is hot and humid.

It may also happen in response to a stimulus that is noxious unpleasant or potentially harmful , such as a very bad smell or the sight of blood or a needle. There are some conditions that make it appear that a child is fainting when something else is wrong. These mimics of fainting include:. Fainting during exercise or exertion carrying or pushing something heavy can be a sign of an underlying condition and should be discussed with your child's doctor.

Hyperventilating or breathing too fast. This can happen due to anxiety or fear, because it causes rapid changes in our blood supply to the brain. Breath-holding spells.

These are common in young children during temper tantrums or when they are in pain. Breath-holding spells generally are not serious, and most children outgrow them by 6 years of age. Certain movements , such as coughing, swallowing, weight lifting, going to the bathroom, or even hair-grooming may stretch or press on sensitive nerve endings. This trigger is rare and usually affects teens; with the vast majority outgrowing it.

The "challenge" involves cutting off blood and oxygen to the brain by wrapping a belt or a similar object around the neck to experience a "high" when letting go. Statistics compiled by the non-profit group Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play GASP show hundreds of adolescents worldwide have died from the choking game during the past two decades. Middle school students with symptoms of depression or behavior problems may be at an especially high risk of playing the choking game, according to a recent study.

Signs your child might be trying it include bloodshot eyes and frequent headaches. Talk with your kids about how internet challenges that may seem harmless and funny can easily land them in the emergency room. They can help watch for signs and help her to the floor if it happens again and help avoid risks like having her stand at the end of a row in crowded bleachers.

If possible, try to catch and ease a child to the floor. Have the child raise both legs for 10 minutes while lying down. Call or go to the nearest emergency department if the child:. Isn't waking up after a short amount of time. Has injuries from the fall and is bleeding a lot. Fainted suddenly after taking medicine, being stung by an insect, or eating something she may be allergic to.

Was exercising when they fainted. Anemia , when there's insufficient iron in the blood to deliver enough oxygen to brain, can cause of fainting in rapidly growing teens—especially girls who get heavy periods.

Internal bleeding. A blow to the head such as a concussion or belly. Sudden drops in blood sugar can cause fainting. The brain needs sugar for energy. Diabetes also can cause increased urination that leads to dehydration. If a child with diabetes faints, it is considered a diabetic emergency. Eating disorders. Anorexia and bulimia can cause fainting from dehydration, low blood sugar, and changes in blood pressure or circulation caused by starvation, vomiting, or over exercising.

Heart issues. Irregular heartbeats cardiac arrythmia or structural problems heart or valve can cause fainting.

Fainting that happens during exercise always needs medical follow-up. Dehydration is the most common cause of fainting in children. In many cases, as a first step, pediatricians will recommend that children who have fainted simply drink more.

They may also recommend increased salt intake, not skipping meals, and eliminating caffeine. Fear, pain, crowded or hot rooms, the sight of blood, or a hot shower can also cause fainting, as can certain medications and illegal drugs.

There are also serious medical conditions that can cause fainting. They include anemia insufficient iron in the blood , blood clots, and heart defects or heart problems, such as:. If your child has been treated for a heart defect and he or she faints, you should call your pediatrician or pediatric cardiologist immediately.

If your child is healthy and faints once, make an appointment with your pediatrician. Explain exactly what happened. Tell your pediatrician if your child has other symptoms that might indicate a heart problem and if there is a family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before age 50 including sudden infant death syndrome.