Fainting in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Children faint for many different reasons. Sometimes children pass out when they get hurt, see blood, or are otherwise upset or scared. Fainting often occurs when a child suddenly stands up from a sitting or lying position. Some children faint from holding their breath during tantrums. In these cases, fainting occurs because blood flow to the brain is cut off for a short time.

When children faint, their legs or arms often twitch or jerk slightly a few times. This is not a seizure or fit. Children usually awaken seconds after fainting.

Most of the time fainting is nothing to worry about. Children who faint often outgrow it. But if your child faints again, tell your doctor. The doctor may want your child to have more tests to rule out other causes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If your child faints:
  • Protect the child from getting hurt. Ease the child to the floor, or lay a very small child facedown on your lap.
  • Check to make sure your child is breathing. (Put your ear over your child's mouth to listen for breathing sounds.) If your child is not breathing, call 911 and stay on the phone.
  • Prop up your child's legs and feet above their chest. After your child wakes up, have your child stay down for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • If your child is going to vomit, turn the child onto their side, which will help prevent choking.
  • When your child wakes up, give them a glass of fruit juice. Put a cold washcloth on their forehead.
  • Check to see if your child got hurt from falling.
• Tell your child to stand with the leg muscles relaxed, rather than keeping the knees locked.
• Teach your child to stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid fainting.
• Teach your child to lie down or sit down and put their head between the knees when they feel faint. Warning signs are feeling dizzy, weak, sick to the stomach, or warm.
• Your child may need to drink more fluids.
• Have your child avoid situations that cause dizziness or fainting. These include hot weather, hot tubs, and standing for a long time.
• Have your child take medicine exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with their medicine.