psychogenic shock
Quick Summary
Psychogenic shock, also known as fainting or syncope, is a temporary impairment of blood circulation to the brain, often triggered by emotions like fear, anxiety, or pain. This condition causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to a drop in blood pressure and insufficient blood flow to the brain. Symptoms include paleness, nausea, sweating, rapid pulse, and a feeling of light-headedness, ultimately resulting in loss of consciousness. To aid recovery, a person experiencing psychogenic shock should be laid flat, with their head slightly lowered to improve blood flow to the brain.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
