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Fainting in Children

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. A child usually wakes again within a short time.

Standing for a long time, heat, dehydration, pain, fear and emotional stress are common triggers. Heart rhythm problems, seizures and other medical conditions are less common causes.

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AAP Guide to Fainting in Children

The AAP guide below explains what to do after a faint and which episodes should be investigated.

AAP Symptom CheckerFainting

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child faints without a clear trigger.
  • Fainting happens during exercise.
  • Chest pain, a racing heartbeat or severe shortness of breath happens with the faint.
  • Your child has repeated fainting episodes.
  • There is a family history of sudden unexplained death or serious heart rhythm problems.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child does not wake quickly.
  • Your child has severe trouble breathing or a seizure.
  • The faint caused a serious injury.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms