DefinitionFainting is a temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is brief (lasting less than a couple of minutes) and is followed by rapid and complete recovery. You may feel light-headed or dizzy before fainting.A longer, deeper state of unconsciousness is often called a coma.Alternative NamesPassed out; Light-headedness - fainting; Syncope; Vasovagal episodeConsiderationsWhen you faint, you not only experience loss of consciousness, but also loss of muscle tone and paling of color in your face (pallor). You may also feel weak or nauseated just prior to fainting, and you may have the sense that surrounding noises are fading into the background.Common CausesFainting may occur while you are urinating, having a bowel movement (especially if strain