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From: Keith M
I am a 37 year old male. I have fainted three times in my life. Once around 1974, for no reason anyone could find. In December 2003 I had my first adult fainting episode about 1 minute after I had received an innoculation. Have been fine until last week (June 2004). I sprained my ankle. Within two minutes afterward I felt a bit dizzy and sat down in a chair. Opened my eyes and found myself lying on the floor. Both times I woke up in a cold sweat and feeling physically drained. Mentally, I feel like I woke from a very good nap, even though I was only out for 10-20 seconds. No headache, no nasea, no sense of confusion, although it does take several minutes to think normally. Both times a doctor (different ones) informed me that it was probably a vagal nerve reaction (I forgot the exact phrase.) After I recovered from fainting, they left me with the impression that it was nothing to be concerned about; it was a natural reaction to a 'noxious stimulus.' The first time, I took the doctor at her word, since I hadn't had anything to eat before the shot. But I do not think that spraining my ankle (not too seriously, either) is a good reason to lose consciousness. It was certainly not the worst pain I had experienced in the last few years. Today I have started to research it. I am VERY glad to have found this discussion. Much luck and hope to all of you; may you find a treatment / lifestyle that works for your situation.