OpenHealth Q&A

Could Choking During Jiu-Jitsu Be Behind My Fainting Episodes?

I am a 30-year-old male in generally good health. Previously, I experienced a few fainting incidents throughout my life—twice back in school after an unfortunate groin hit, once during my teenage years at a music festival, and more recently during vaccinations related to COVID-19, totaling three separate fainting spells between 2021 and 2022. It was during this period that I learned I have convulsive syncope. However, this year has seen a notable increase in these episodes. In April 2025, during a jiu-jitsu competition, I was grappling with an opponent who managed to choke me unconscious, despite my attempts to signal my distress by tapping out. Unfortunately, the referee did not notice my tap, and the choke continued until I fainted. I later discovered that he only released the choke once I began convulsing and snoring loudly. I was out for what felt like more than a minute, and when I regained consciousness, I felt incredibly dizzy and promptly fainted again, experiencing strange noises coming from my throat before fully waking up. Just three days later, while aboard a crowded bus in sweltering heat, I lost consciousness again and fell, striking my head in the process. I became rigid before shaking for a few seconds. I was promptly taken to the hospital for evaluation, but all tests returned normal results. Towards the end of April, I participated in another jiu-jitsu event where I again experienced a choke-out that resulted in convulsions, snoring, and even, embarrassingly, urinating on the mat. I had no idea this could occur during a faint. Unlike previous incidents, I felt fine afterwards and chose to continue competing, despite initially considering a break. However, a week later during practice, I fainted again, and shortly thereafter, in the next competition, the same chain of events unfolded: I was choked, fainted, and displayed the signature convulsions. Surprisingly, I have no prior history of problems during jiu-jitsu—I've been practicing for a decade and have always tapped in time. In early June, at my final competition of the month, I experienced four fainting spells all in one day. Earlier that morning, I felt anxious, standing in the warm room for an extended period, leading to dizziness, ringing in my ears, and darkness overtaking my vision. I collapsed into my coach’s arms, coming to about ten seconds later on the floor. He reassured me it was just nerves and encouraged me to compete. During grappling, I fell victim to another choke and fainted again. My opponent held on, and I began convulsing. This time, I heard it was more challenging to revive me from unconsciousness. I fainted once more, and again, unfortunately, I lost control of my bladder during the spell, which left me feeling mortified. When I regained consciousness, I immediately fainted again, exhibiting convulsions, which resulted in me being carried off the mat. The following day at the hospital, after a blood test, I fainted twice back-to-back: the first time resulted in convulsions, while the second episode was sans shakes. Unfortunately, I experienced involuntary urination again—why is this occurrence happening so frequently? Since then, I ceased competing but have suffered an additional five fainting spells, one in June, three in July, and another today. This raises concerns for me—could these choking incidents have led to lasting issues, and should I consider stepping back from a sport I truly enjoy? How can I effectively tap out to prevent further chokes if I decide to return? Clearly, this situation needs addressing, as my ability to tap out should not have diminished after all these experiences. I would appreciate any guidance or insights from the community about what may be happening and potential steps I can take.

Answers (1)

8/5/2025, 2:51:09 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your fainting episodes, especially following the choking incidents during jiu-jitsu competitions. Your description indicates a potential link between the fainting and the physical stress during grappling, particularly the choking incidents. It's important to address both the underlying causes of your fainting and how to safely continue participating in a sport you love.

Main Points:

1. Potential Triggers: The choking incidents during jiu-jitsu, combined with factors like heat and anxiety, may contribute to your fainting spells.
2. Importance of Monitoring Symptoms: Tracking what leads to your fainting can help identify specific triggers.
3. Safeguarding Your Practice: Considering modifications in your training and competition approach may be necessary.

Explanation:

Fainting, or syncope, can be caused by various factors, including vasovagal responses, dehydration, low blood pressure, anxiety, or even issues related to the autonomic nervous system. Choking incidents can limit blood flow and oxygen to the brain, and if your body is already predisposed to fainting due to other factors (like heat stress or anxiety), this could heighten the risk.

Experiencing convulsions and involuntary bladder control during these episodes can be concerning. This behavior is often associated with a phenomenon called convulsive syncope, where the body can seize due to lack of oxygen, especially following a choke.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your fainting episodes, noting triggers (like heat, anxiety, or choking) and surroundings. Track how you feel before, during, and after each incident. This may help to identify specific patterns or triggers.

2. Adjust Training and Competitions: Take a break from competition and intense training until you have a clearer understanding of your condition. Prioritize learning proper submission techniques and communication with your training partners about tapping out early. Consider practicing in a more controlled environment to avoid choking situations.

3. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated before and during training and competitions. Eating balanced meals can help prevent drops in blood sugar, which might contribute to fainting.

4. Stress Management Techniques: Since anxiety may exacerbate your symptoms, consider incorporating stress management practices such as deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques before competitions or high-stress training sessions.

5. Consider a Medical Evaluation: While you have undergone evaluations that returned normal, a more thorough review by a neurologist, particularly focusing on your syncopal episodes, may be beneficial. Discuss the possibility of an autonomic function test or additional monitoring during training.

6. Safety First: Until you have a better understanding of your fainting episodes, it may be wise to have a coach or training partner present who is aware of your history. Make sure you can tap out effectively in a way your partner can see.

Your health and safety are the top priority. Taking time off to focus on understanding and managing your symptoms is vital, and it can also help safeguard your future participation in jiu-jitsu.