After a faint — advice for adults
How to lower the chance of fainting again, and when to seek help.
You fainted — a brief blackout caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain. Most faints are harmless. We have checked you and it is safe to go home. Here is how to avoid another one, and when to seek help.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
These can point to a heart or brain cause that needs emergency help.
- Someone faints and does not wake up properly within a minute
- Fainting with chest pain, or a thumping or fluttering heartbeat that does not settle
- Trouble breathing after fainting
- New weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking after fainting
- A fit or seizure, or a serious injury from the fall
Book an urgent same-day review — these need checking but do not need an ambulance.
- You fainted with no warning at all, during exercise, or while lying down
- You shook or jerked as if having a fit, but recovered fully
- You have heart disease, or a family history of sudden death under 40
- You have fainted more than once, or you keep feeling close to fainting
- You feel breathless or your heart races when you stand or exert yourself
Do not drive until you have been told it is safe. If no clear cause was found, DVLA rules set a minimum time you must not drive, and this differs for cars and for buses or lorries. The team who saw you or your GP will tell you what applies — you can also check the ResusDoc DVLA fitness-to-drive guide or gov.uk. It is your responsibility to tell the DVLA if a condition affects your driving.
Avoiding another faint
- Drink plenty of fluids through the day, and do not skip meals.
- Stand up slowly, especially after lying down or sitting.
- If you feel one coming on — light-headed, hot, sweaty, vision greying — sit or lie down and raise your legs.
- Avoid standing still for long periods.
- Tense your leg and buttock muscles, or cross your legs, if you feel faint.
What is normal
After a simple faint, for a short while you may feel:
This should settle quickly with rest and fluids. Tell your GP that you fainted, so they can look into it.