POSTURAL SYNCOPES Meaning and
Definition
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Postural syncopes, also known as orthostatic syncope or orthostatic hypotension, refer to a medical condition characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness or fainting episode that occurs upon standing up or assuming an upright posture. It is caused by a drop in blood pressure, resulting in inadequate blood supply to the brain and subsequent loss of consciousness.
When a person stands up, the body's autonomic nervous system typically adjusts to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain. However, individuals with postural syncopes have an impaired autonomic response, and their blood vessels fail to contract and pump blood efficiently upon standing. This leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness.
Symptoms of postural syncopes include dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, confusion, and sometimes a sensation of warmth or sweating before fainting. These episodes are usually brief and resolve spontaneously when the person lies down or sits, allowing blood flow to the brain to normalize.
Various factors can contribute to postural syncopes, including dehydration, prolonged bed rest, medication side effects, certain medical conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, and aging. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications such as increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding sudden changes in posture. Medications to regulate blood pressure and increase blood volume may also be prescribed, depending on the underlying cause.
Overall, postural syncopes are a medical condition characterized by temporary loss of consciousness upon assuming an upright posture due to reduced blood flow to the brain caused by a drop in blood pressure.
Common Misspellings for POSTURAL SYNCOPES
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Etymology of POSTURAL SYNCOPES
The etymology of the word "Postural Syncopes" can be broken down as follows:
1. Postural: The term "postural" is derived from the Latin word "postura", which means "position" or "posture". It refers to the position or alignment of the body, particularly concerning the relationship between gravity and the body's segments.
2. Syncopes: The word "syncopes" is derived from the Greek word "synkope", meaning "to cut short" or "to leave out". In medicine, it refers to a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. Syncopes occur when there is a brief interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to a momentary loss of consciousness and collapse.
By combining these two terms, "Postural Syncopes" refers to a medical condition characterized by fainting spells or syncopes that occur as a result of changes in body posture or positioning.
