Syncope

/ˈsɪŋkəpi/ noun

Definition

A temporary loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain, commonly known as fainting. Usually brief and followed by complete recovery without treatment.

Etymology

From Greek 'synkope' meaning 'a cutting short' or 'a fainting.' The term has been used in medicine since ancient times, originally describing the 'cutting short' of consciousness. Hippocrates used similar terms to describe sudden collapse, and the word entered medical Latin in medieval times.

Kelly Says

Syncope is actually your brain's emergency shutdown system! When blood pressure drops too low, your brain essentially says 'lie down immediately' by making you faint - horizontal position helps restore blood flow to the brain.

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