FAINTING, or SYNCOPE (Gr. gyre, and kopto, I fall down), is a condition in which, from a sudden mental or bodily impression, the circulation of blood is temporarily arrested or very much diminished in force and volume, the respiration and the func tions of the nervous system being likewise suspended. The indications of F. to a bystander are chiefly a sudden pallor, accompanied by loss of power over the limbs, with disappearance of the pulse and movements of respiration; the eyes are commonly half open or closed, the countenance bloodless, but quite at rest, and not indicative of suffering or disturbance: the flaccid, motionless condition of all the limbs also tends to distinguish simple F. from epilepsy, and the other diseases attended with spasm; whilst the vanishing of the color, and the suppression of the pulse, make a marked distinc tion between fainting and catalepsy (q.v.), and other forms of hysteria (q.v.); with which disorders, however, F. may in some cases be associated. The mode of origin of F., and the study of its phenomena, alike lead to the conclusion that it is primarily an impression upon the nervous system, very much of the same nature as the collapse, or shock of a severe bodily injury; this reacts, in the first instance, on the heart, and through the circulation on all the other functions of the body. F. may end in death, if
too prolonged, or if associated with disease of the internal organs, and especially of the heart; hence a particular variety of F. has been separately studied, and named syncope anginas'', or otherwise angina pectoris. See HEART, DISEASES OF TILE. Ordinarily, a person who faints from mental emotion, a hot and close atmosphere, or other transient cause, is readily restored by being laid on the back with the head low, and surrounded by abundance of cool fresh air. Any tight articles of dress should be loosened, and a stream of cold air, or a little cold water, should be directed to the face and neck, so as to rouse the respiratory movements. It is common, also, to apply ammonia or aromatic vinegar to the nostrils; but a more effective way of exciting the respiration is to com press the ribs, and allow them to expand again alternately, so as to imitate the natural movement. Care should be taken to ascertain that there is no obstruction in the throat or air-passages, as suffocation from mechanical causes has been mistaken for F., and the real origin of the mischief overlooked, with fatal consequences. Should all other means fail, galvanism (q.v.) will sometimes succeed in restoring the respiration and heart's action.