FAINT′ING

Syn. Swooning; Syncope, Deliquium animi, L. In pathology , a state in which the respiration and circulation are apparently suspended for a time, or are extremely feeble. The symptoms are too well known to require description. The causes are supposed to be—diminished energy of the brain, and organic affections of the heart or neighbouring ve els. This has led nosologists to divide syncope into two varieties:— 1. Occasional ( syncope occasional is, s. accidental is, L. ), primitively induced by sudden and violent emotions of the mind, powerful odours, derangement of the stomach or bowels, constrained position of the body, tight-lacing, pre ure, lo of blood, debility from disease, . This variety is frequently followed by vomiting, and, occasionally, by convulsions or epileptic fits. The recovery is accelerated by the horizontal position, without the head being the least elevated, by which the arterial blood is more vigorously thrown upon the brain, and thereby stimulates it to resume its usual functions. Pungent substances (smelling-bottle, vinaigrette, .) may be applied to the nostrils, and cold water sprinkled on the face and chest. In all cases the dre (corset, waist-band, neck-cloth, .) should be instantly loosened, and indeed this is the first a istance which should be given, either in syncope or apoplexy. As soon as the patient can swallow, a little brandy-and-water, or wine, or a few drops of ether or spirit of sal volatile, may be given. 2. Cardiac ( syncope cardiac a, L. ), arising without any apparent cause, with violent palpitation during the intervals, and altogether of a more formidable character than the preceding. The subsequent treatment must here be directed to the cure or alleviation of the original disease.