Description Fainting while urin...
Description
Fainting while urinating or just after urinating. This problem usually occurs in older men and during the night when they wake up to urinate. This occurs because urinating stimulates the vagus nerve, which then causes a drop in blood pressure and a slow heart rate—resulting in fainting. Why urinating stimulates the nerve in some people but not others is unknown. Straining to urinate may increase the frequency of this disorder. Certain medications, alcohol and being dehydrated can increase the frequency of these events. It is recommended patients with this disorder see their doctor to make sure something more serious is not causing the fainting. It is believed micturition syncope causes 2%-8% of all cases of fainting in adults. Similar fainting episodes can occur with having a bowel movement as well.
Symptoms
Fainting during urination or after urination. Feeling lightheaded during or after urination.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and an EKG may be done to rule out other causes of fainting.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Do I need this test?
In the evaluation of simple syncope and a normal neurological examination, don't obtain brain imaging studies (CT or MRI). In patients with witnessed syncope but with no suggestion of seizure and no report of other neurologic symptoms or signs, the likelihood of a central nervous system (CNS) cause of the event is extremely low and patient outcomes are not improved with brain imaging studies.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Family Practice, Geriatric Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests and an EKG may be done to rule out other causes of fainting.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Do I need this test?
In the evaluation of simple syncope and a normal neurological examination, don't obtain brain imaging studies (CT or MRI). In patients with witnessed syncope but with no suggestion of seizure and no report of other neurologic symptoms or signs, the likelihood of a central nervous system (CNS) cause of the event is extremely low and patient outcomes are not improved with brain imaging studies.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Family Practice, Geriatric Medicine
Treatment
There is no definitive treatment. Staying hydrated and decreasing alcohol intake may stop the episodes. The healthcare provider may adjust, stop and substitute medications to prevent recurrences. Sitting on the edge of the bed before walking to the bathroom and urinating sitting down may prevent the fainting episodes. Patients at risk for this problem should leave the door open when they urinate and remove all sharp objects from around the toilet.