When light suddenly goes off

Although usually harmless, experts,  in this piece by SADE OGUNTOLA, warn that when people faint, pass out or slump without warning, it should not be overlooked as it may sometimes signal a problem with the heart or blood vessels.

It was a shock when Funmilola Adeeko, a 20-year-old undergraduate fell ill and was diagnosed with hypertension. Funmilola felt dizzy and had consistent headache and so had to go to hospital. Her BP was 200/120mmHg.

Henry Nwosu recently was on his way to his trading store when he slumped. People around the spot initially were hesitant to move close to help him. Then apprehension set in when they noticed his still form.

And still thinking that he might still recover from the fall, they rushed him to a nearby private hospital where he was pronounced dead by the doctor.

Safinatu Adio also fell at the bus stop on her way to the market, and was foaming in the mouth. Thinking that she could be helped, passersby poured water on her. Some also asked that a spoon be inserted between the teeth before she is rushed to a nearby hospital.

These are not isolated cases. There is an epidemic of both men and women ‘slumping’ and dying. It is bad that someone left home in the morning seemingly healthy and did not make it back home.

Faint, black out, slump, collapse, pass out; they are all names for the same thing — a temporary loss of consciousness followed by a fairly rapid and complete recovery.  Unfortunately, some people presumed to have merely fallen, slump over, black out or faint end up dying.

What appears most alarming is that people are ‘slumping’ from treatable and manageable medical conditions such as dehydration, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. Experts say that for people to slump and die, two vital organs of the body must be involved. These are the heart and brain.

The heart is a major organ that is pumping blood to support the brain. It has to function optimally to adequately support the brain. The brain keeps people alive. If deprived of blood supply for more than four minutes, a person can go unconscious and this could lead to death.

Howbeit, Dr, Biodun Ogungbo said many things can cause some to slump and die, faint or become unconscious and start foaming in the mouth.

Ogungbo said many of the deaths could be from stroke or heart failure. These are medical conditions of the heart and brain, which had also been linked to uncontrolled blood pressure.

“Cases of stroke and heart attack are on the increase in Nigeria due to hypertension, diabetes and obesity. These are the two conditions that kill immediately. Yet, these are conditions that could be prevented,” he stated.

He disclosed that about 50 per cent of people are not aware they have hypertension when they are actually coming to hospital with stroke or heart attack.

“They never check their blood pressure or those who have checked have ignored it, doing something else. We need to let people know the real solution, the antidote, the cure, the prevention of sudden death syndrome is to get out there and exercise.”

Howbeit, Ogungbo said where a person slumps and is foaming in the mouth, it may likely be a case of someone with epileptic seizure.

Although, factors as dehydration, fatigue, and low blood sugar level may make some people to faint or pass out, he declared that taking appropriate action when the incidence occurs was key in saving their lives.

“For instance, a diabetic before passing out will feel it and merely taking sugary drink will avert him fainting or becoming unconscious. Also, trigger such as emotional stress, pain, dehydration, or prolonged standing can prompt some people to pass out,” Ogungbo said.

Often, patients feel strange just before an epileptic seizure; they may describe a particular smell or odd feeling. This is known as an “aura.” The aura is then followed by sudden loss of consciousness associated with tensing or jerking of all the muscles that can last for several minutes.

Epilepsy is due to an electrical disturbance of the brain. The problem may develop from some kind of scar tissue or other physical abnormality within the brain tissue, including a stroke or a tumour. However, epilepsy is not simply caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain.

Another common cause of fainting is caused by changes in the heart rhythm or irregular heartbeat. Sudden slowing or pausing of the heartbeat can cause abrupt loss of consciousness without warning.

The expert stressed the need for Nigerians to be informed on how best to handle cases of people passing out, fainting or slumping in the community.

According to him, those found unconscious and not breathing should be given kiss of life while those whose heart had stopped have heart massage.

Also, ensuring they are made to lie in a safe place, he said was important before they are transported to the hospital for adequate care.

He also urged regular medical checkups. This will help detect and prevent an abnormal condition in the body. People should understand their family medical history and respond accordingly and proactively.

Howbeit, figuring out what caused a fainting spell is the best way to prevent it from happening in the future.  The medical doctor needs to know about the specific circumstances of the fainting spell and what was felt immediately before fainting.

To prevent being a victim of sudden death as a result of slump, experts stress the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercises.

“So whatever you do, walking, jogging, dancing or joining fitness exercise programme is of real benefit,” he stated.

Exercise keeps the weight down, keeps the heart working better and so reduces blood pressure. Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise at least three or four times a week.