Brain or Heart? How EEG Plays a Roll in Fainting vs Seizures

Fainting can be frightening, especially when it happens without warning. One moment you feel fine and the next you are on the ground feeling confused or exhausted. For many people the first question is the same.

Was it my heart or was it my brain?

The truth is fainting can come from either. Determining the cause is important because the treatment depends entirely on what is happening underneath.

At West Wave Neuro we often see patients after they have already had a cardiac workup. They may have had EKGs heart monitors or even echocardiograms and everything comes back normal. When symptoms continue this is often the point where the brain needs to be evaluated.

Heart vs Brain What Causes Fainting

Fainting happens when the brain temporarily does not receive enough blood flow or oxygen. That disruption usually comes from one of two systems.

Long-Term EEG

Heart related causes

These may include abnormal heart rhythms blood pressure changes or dehydration. One of the most common causes of fainting is vasovagal syncope.

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the body overreacts to a trigger such as stress pain dehydration or standing for long periods of time. The nervous system responds by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to the brain.

In simple terms, the body is trying to protect itself. It forces you into a flat position so blood flow can return to the brain. That is why people often faint and then quickly feel better once lying down.

While vasovagal syncope is usually harmless, it is important to determine whether fainting truly falls into this category or if something else is happening like a seizure.

Brain related causes

When heart testing is normal but symptoms continue, the cause may be neurological. Some episodes that look like fainting are actually related to abnormal brain activity.

This can include seizures subtle seizure activity or dysfunction in how the brain regulates consciousness. Not all seizures involve shaking or convulsions. Some appear as brief loss of awareness staring spells confusion or sudden fatigue.

This is where EEG testing becomes important.

Because not all seizures look the same!

When an EEG Is Needed

An EEG or electroencephalogram records the electrical activity of the brain. It allows providers to see how the brain is functioning in real time.

An EEG may be recommended when someone experiences ongoing fainting episodes, confusion, staring spells, memory gaps or symptoms that occur during sleep. It is also commonly ordered when cardiac testing is normal but symptoms continue without a clear explanation.

EEG is a valuable tool because it helps determine whether the brain is contributing to these episodes or if something else is occurring.

Why Long Term EEG Monitoring Matters

A routine EEG usually lasts about 20 to 60 minutes. While helpful, it may not capture abnormal activity if symptoms do not happen during that short window.

Long term EEG monitoring allows brain activity to be recorded over 24 to 72 hours or longer. This makes it much more likely to capture abnormal electrical patterns or events as they occur in real life.

At West Wave Neuro we specialize in long term ambulatory EEG studies that allow patients to remain in their home environment while being monitored. This provides a more accurate picture of how the brain functions throughout the day and night. Long term EEG is especially helpful when symptoms are infrequent occur during sleep or continue despite normal testing.

How Common Are Seizures

Many people are surprised to learn how common seizures actually are.

About 8 to 10 percent of people will experience at least one seizure in their lifetime.

This does not mean everyone has epilepsy. Some seizures happen once due to stress illness lack of sleep or other triggers. Others go unrecognized because they do not look like classic seizures.

This is why proper evaluation is so important.

Why the Brain Should Be Evaluated Along with the Heart

Cardiac testing is an important first step and should never be skipped. But when heart testing is normal and fainting continues, the brain should be evaluated.

Was it truly a simple fainting spell or was it something more?

EEG is a safe non invasive and reliable way to evaluate brain activity and help answer that question. It allows providers to see how the brain is functioning in real time and determine whether neurological activity may be contributing to symptoms.

When to Consider an EEG

Fainting should never be ignored especially when it happens more than once.

While vasovagal syncope is common and often harmless it is important to make sure there is not an underlying neurological cause. If the heart has been ruled out the brain deserves a closer look.

At West Wave Neuro we specialize in long term EEG monitoring designed to capture real life brain activity and help patients get answers. If you or someone you love is experiencing unexplained episodes an EEG may be the missing piece.

Disclaimer:

 This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition.