syncope /sing″kəpē/ [Gk, synkoptein, to cut short] , a brief lapse in consciousness caused by transient cerebral hypoxia. It is usually preceded by a sensation of light-headedness and often may 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 stimulation, vascular pooling in the legs, diaphoresis, and a sudden change in environmental temperature or body position. Also called fainting.
