Eyes Rolling Back While Passing Out Symptoms & Causes

Vasovagal syncope

Vasovagal syncope is one of the most common causes of fainting. occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. The body coordinates a sudden drop of heart rate and blood pressure, causing reduced blood flow to the brain and a brief loss of consciousness.

You do not need treatment for this condition, as it is normal and not a cause for concern. You may require medical attention if during the fainting episode you fell and injured a body part.

Orthostatic syncope (fainting)

Orthostatic syncope refers to a type of loss of consciousness caused by rapidly standing up from a sitting position, and not enough blood reaches the head. This can cause a person to pass out, but then come back to consciousness without lasting effects.

Losing consciousness can be scary, but your case seems to be benign without any long lasting effects. However, it might be good to consult a doctor over the telephone to discuss whether a visit is needed.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: lightheadedness, brief fainting episode, dizziness and lightheadedness before passing out, fainting after standing up, fainting for the first time

Symptoms that always occur with orthostatic syncope (fainting): brief fainting episode, fainting after standing up

Urgency: Phone call or in-person visit

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, also called the myocardium.

It is a rare complication of any viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection. Reaction to drugs, medications, chemicals, or even radiation can bring about myocarditis.

Anyone with a weakened immune system or pre-existing heart condition is susceptible.

Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath, especially following a viral upper respiratory illness. Swelling of the feet and legs from poor circulation may be seen.

If symptoms are severe, take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1. Myocarditis weakens the heart so that it cannot pump blood as it should. Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia,) and sudden cardiac death can result without treatment.

Diagnosis is made by electrocardiogram (ECG,) chest x-ray, MRI, echocardiogram, and blood tests.

Short-term treatment is with rest and medication, depending on what kind of illness brought about the myocarditis. Sometimes, devices to support the heartbeat may be surgically implanted.

Long-term treatment may involve medicines such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, and diuretics.

Lennox-gastaut syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut is a severe form of epilepsy, which is a disorder characterized by frequent seizures. Seizures are bursts of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Most people with this syndrome experience some impairment in intellectual function and information processing. Developmental delays and behavioral disturbance are also common.

You should visit your primary care physician who will coordinate care with a nerve specialist (neurologist). This condition is managed by prescription medication to control the seizures.

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) begins in childhood or adolesence, usually between ages 8 and 20, and lasts into adulthood. The most common type of seizure in people with this condition is myoclonic seizures, which cause rapid, uncontrolled muscle jerks.

You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options for managing symptoms.

Generalized tonic-clonic seizure

A seizure is a short burst of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. A generalized tonic-clonic seizure affects both halves of the brain, and comes in two phases (tonic and clonic). The tonic phase is characterized by rigidity of all muscles and loss of consciousness. Saliva may escape the mouth, and the bladder may contract, releasing urine. The clonic phase follows, when the body appears to shake. This may last from seconds to minutes. The person gradually regains consciousness. A seizure may be caused by an underlying disease such as epilepsy, or by triggers such as heavy drinking, drugs, or anxiety.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: being severely ill, brief fainting episode, confusion/disorientation after returning to consciousness, not having protected the body during the fall, eyes rolling back while passing out

Symptoms that always occur with generalized tonic-clonic seizure: being severely ill, loss of consciousness without remembering, confusion/disorientation after returning to consciousness

Urgency: Emergency medical service