What Is Fainting?
Fainting—or syncope (the medical term) is the result of a lack of blood flow to the brain due to some sudden and brief interruption. While there are common triggers, such as stress or even getting up too far, it can sometimes happen with no real underlying cause. as it’s known medically—is caused when the blood flow to the brain is somehow briefly interrupted. Though there are common triggers for fainting, like stress or simply standing up too fast, it can arrive with no clear underlying cause. Unfortunately, some people can suffer from reoccurring episodes which can lead to conditions like seizures.
The Results
The results showed that 50% of people with pacemakers turned off reported at least one episode of fainting, while the other group only 16% reported the same. That’s a 77% percent reduction in the relative risk of fainting. While this seems like a positive result, there are conflicting studies that suggest this may not be good for people in this condition.
Could It Be Used As Treatment?
If this does however prove to be a viable option, then pacemakers could prove to be a helpful treatment option for people suffer from this condition. “Our study shows that pacing can be an effective treatment for selected people with unpredictable fainting episodes. Tilt testing is a simple and non-invasive way to identify people who could benefit,” said study author Michele Brignole of the Faint and Fall Program at the Istituto Auxologico in Milan, Italy, in a statement released by the European Society Of Cardiology. “We hope this new treatment option will enable these patients to resume a normal life without fear of blackouts.”