Can Panic Attacks Cause Fainting?

For some people, the answer to this question has to be yes. But the majority of people should view panic attacks as episodes whose effects can be limited, without spending too much time worrying about fainting. This is true because fainting is a physical/medical problem that doesn’t have to be part of a panic attack or anxiety episode.

Many people who experience panic attacks feel some dizziness or feel “light headed” for a short time. This may be the result of an increased breathing rate (hyperventilation). If you get too high a level of oxygen in the body you can feel dizzy. It doesn’t help that, during a panic attack, we also have tension in our muscles, especially in the shoulders, neck and around the eyes. Yet doctors and medical researchers report that the majority of those who have panic attacks don’t actually “pass out” or faint.

Blood pressure is one factor that should be considered when you are searching for answers about panic attacks and fainting. Fainting is often the result of a sudden or extreme change in blood pressure. Low blood pressure can certainly cause a person to faint. An individual who suffers from extremely low levels of blood sugar may be at risk of fainting as well. If these conditions exist and the individual experiences a true panic attack, with some of the associated physical effects, fainting is a possibility.

Discussion groups that form around the subject of panic attacks are a good place to learn about handling these episodes. Those with experience have often learned to limit or even prevent an attack, in addition to getting over the fear of fainting they may have had earlier. You may even find that certain breathing and visualization techniques will relax your body to the point that fainting is not a danger to you.

As we dig into the facts and myths surrounding panic attacks we might want to understand vasovagal syncope. According to the staff of the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com) vasovagal syncope “is the most common cause of fainting. It occurs when your body reacts in an exaggerated way to such triggers as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. The trigger results in a sudden drop in your heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain and causes you to briefly lose consciousness. Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. But your doctor may recommend tests to rule out more-serious causes of fainting, such as heart disorders.”

The answer to our original question is that panic attacks can cause fainting but do not in the majority of cases. People who are generally healthy and have no significant medical conditions can usually make it through a panic episode without fainting. Accordingly, those who have a history of panic attacks or the more consistent malady known as panic disorder should probably concentrate on techniques and medication that can prevent panic episodes. But it’s always wise to consult with a doctor to uncover any physical conditions that might actually lead to fainting.

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