What is the medical term for "passing out"?

Syncope is the medical term used to describe a temporary loss of consciousness, commonly referred to as "passing out." This condition typically occurs due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain, which can result from various factors such as low blood pressure, dehydration, or a sudden change in position.

While "fainting" is often used interchangeably with syncope in everyday language, syncope is the term used in clinical settings to characterize the physiological event. "Dizziness," on the other hand, refers to a sensation of unsteadiness or spinning, which is not necessarily associated with loss of consciousness. "Seizures" involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain resulting in convulsions and altered consciousness but are distinct from syncope in their etiology and presentation. Understanding these definitions clarifies why syncope is the appropriate and most precise term for the phenomenon of passing out.