OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Fainting Episode: Seeking Clarity

At 28 years old, I've been diagnosed with ADHD, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and a pinched nerve due to cervical spondylosis. I weigh 185 pounds and stand 5 feet 4 inches tall, without any additional health issues apart from these. Typically, I manage my ADHD with Adderall and occasionally use marijuana, but I ceased both after experiencing a fainting spell while awaiting cardiology assessments. Since the incident in December, I have been plagued by severe health anxiety stemming from this frightening experience, which remains unexplained. Despite numerous tests for seizures and cardiovascular concerns, physicians have yet to identify any significant health problems. This has led me to question whether my symptoms are a manifestation of anxiety or indicative of a genuine health issue. Here are the results of my tests: The troubling events began on December 17th when I was prescribed nitrofurantoin to treat a serious urinary tract infection, characterized by intense pain while urinating and the presence of blood clots. Feeling unwell, I decided to stop taking my Adderall and refrained from marijuana use during my treatment. By December 19th, I felt considerably better, approximately 85%, yet I encountered strange sensations that I suspected were side effects of the antibiotic. While on nitrofurantoin, the simplest movements would cause a dizzy or light-headed sensation. For instance, walking in my kitchen gave me an unsettling feeling of unsteadiness that required me to hold onto the counter for support. Rather than experiencing typical dizziness, it felt more like confusion or disorientation. This sensation would dissipate if I paused and stabilized myself by gripping something. Additionally, I experienced a familiar tingling in my hands due to cervical spine problems, though it was pronounced during the antibiotic treatment. I believed these might be antibiotic side effects, similar to past experiences with other medications. Then, on December 21st, I fainted. Prior to my collapse, I had been napping on the couch and woke feeling somewhat disoriented. I rested briefly before rising to check on my husband in the shower. Walking through the kitchen, I felt groggy and, upon reaching the bathroom door, announced my nausea. The next thing I recall is a wave of sickness followed by haziness. I remember stumbling towards the kitchen, reaching for the trash can, and then blacking out on the floor. My husband witnessed the incident; he heard me navigate into the kitchen, then a crash followed by my body hitting the stove. He described finding me folded between the stove and the trash can, unresponsive, and breathing like a heavy snore. After a minute with no sign of consciousness, he rushed to get his phone to call for help, and that’s when I began to regain awareness. I remember hearing his voice and, upon opening my eyes, realizing I was surrounded by trash from the floor. He assisted me as I sat up, and I felt an overwhelming dizziness and anxiety that rendered me unable to stand unaided. In the emergency room, they conducted an ECG, which returned normal results, along with urine and blood tests. My potassium level was low at 3.3, prompting potassium supplementation, and my calcium levels were slightly decreased. The UTI had resolved, and the recommendation was to discontinue the antibiotic. Doctors suggested I had experienced a syncope episode but would follow up with my primary care physician promptly. I remained dizzy for several days post-episode, with persistent neck and head pain from the fall. My primary care doctor suspected the possibility of either a seizure or heart-related issues and referred me to both neurology and cardiology. A CT scan returned without irregular findings. I was advised to stop using Adderall and avoid caffeine until cleared by specialists. Subsequent testing included an EEG, a week-long Holter monitor, echocardiogram, and a stress test. The EEG results were normal, while the Holter monitor detected over 2000 premature atrial contractions (PACs) but was otherwise normal. The echocardiogram indicated mild mitral valve regurgitation but was largely unremarkable. I was slightly fatigued during the Duke score stress test, which was stopped prematurely, though my cardiologist deemed my results acceptable and suggested a follow-up in a few months. Since returning to normal, I only felt similar dizziness during a couple of panic attacks, which I hadn’t experienced in years. Those incidents, however, were daunting as they triggered thoughts of fainting again, though I did not collapse. The anxiety surrounding the incident has taken a toll; without my ADHD medication, work stress has compounded my situation. I would forgo Adderall indefinitely if needed for my heart’s health. My heart rate and blood pressure have increased over the past month, which worries me, especially since I stopped all stimulants. I believe it may be anxiety-related. Furthermore, my neck issues have worsened since the fall, with increased stiffness and persistent tingling being more pronounced during this period. Ultimately, I urgently seek answers regarding my fainting episode and whether it may recur. Although the doctors are confident that the nitrofurantoin was not a contributing factor, I find it odd that my dizzy spells only appeared during its use and improved once I stopped taking it. My worry extends to fears of fainting while canoeing or camping, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. As I transport children for work, the possibility of losing consciousness while driving weighs heavily on my mind. I fear an undiscovered cardiac issue lurking beneath the surface, despite the largely normal test results. To address these overwhelming feelings, I am re-entering therapy after a four-year hiatus, recognizing that I can no longer handle this anxiety alone. I am contemplating discussing the option of anxiety medication with my primary doctor, although the thought of introducing new side effects is intimidating. Having made substantial progress in my mental well-being before this episode, I feel disheartened for allowing this worry to dominate my life. Nevertheless, I am committed to prioritizing my health, resolving the mystery of what happened, and following through with all the necessary tests ordered by my healthcare providers. My primary goal is to uncover the cause of my fainting so I may find peace and move forward.

Answers (1)

2/6/2026, 3:01:14 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious after experiencing a fainting episode, especially with your complex health background. Given your current situation, let's focus on what you need to know regarding the fainting, your ongoing symptoms, and how to manage your anxiety.

Key Points

• Your fainting episode, labeled as syncope, appears to stem from a combination of factors, including low potassium, potential side effects from nitrofurantoin, and possibly anxiety.
• While the tests done so far have shown no significant issues with your heart or brain, it's essential to continue monitoring your symptoms and managing anxiety.
• Addressing your anxiety is crucial for your mental and physical health going forward.

Explanation

Fainting can happen for various reasons, including dehydration, anxiety, or even something benign related to medication side effects. Since stopping the nitrofurantoin seemed to correlate with an improvement in your dizziness, it’s possible that it was contributing to your symptoms. Your low potassium also could increase dizziness or fainting risk, which was addressed with supplementation.

The feelings of dizziness and panic you've been experiencing could be tied to your anxiety. Stress can lead to physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and feelings of lightheadedness, which in turn could trigger further anxiety about fainting again.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Your Symptoms:

   • Keep a daily diary noting when you feel dizzy, anxious, or experience other symptoms. Include any patterns related to activities, stress levels, or even your neck pain.

2. Hydration and Nutrition:

   • Ensure you are well-hydrated and consume a balanced diet. Aim for potassium-rich foods (like bananas, potatoes, and spinach) to help maintain normal levels.

3. Consider Anxiety Management Approaches:

   • Since you’re re-entering therapy, discuss coping strategies for dealing with health anxiety and any potential medication options for anxiety if you feel it could help. It’s okay to be cautious about side effects; your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

4. Follow-Up with Specialists:

   • Continue with your scheduled follow-ups with cardiology and neurology, and discuss any ongoing symptoms or new concerns with them. Being proactive can offer reassurance and clarity.

5. Avoid Triggers:

   • Identify and minimize activities that heighten your anxiety. For instance, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness may help during stressful situations.

6. Gradual Exposure:

   • If you're worried about fainting while engaging in activities, think about gradually exposing yourself to those situations with someone you trust until you feel more confident. This can help reduce anxiety over time.

7. Educate Yourself:

   • Understanding syncope and its potential causes can empower you to manage your anxiety better. Reliable resources like the Mayo Clinic or CDC can provide accurate information.

Finally, remind yourself that you are taking significant steps toward understanding your health and managing your anxiety. It’s a process, and finding a balance between mental wellness and physical health is crucial. Continue to be patient with yourself as you work through this. If you need further support or strategies, feel free to ask.