Syncope is the medical term for fainting. This is a brief lapse in consciousness caused by transient cerebral hypoxia (diminished oxygen).

Syncope usually is preceded by a sensation of light-headedness and may often be prevented by lying down or by sitting with the head between the knees. It may be caused by many different factors including emotional stress, vagal (nerve) stimulation, pooling of blood in the legs, or sudden change in environmental temperature or body position.

Syncope must be...