What term is used to describe a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness?

The term that describes a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness is "syncope." This condition often occurs due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain, which can be triggered by various factors such as standing up too quickly, stress, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. During syncope, the individual typically has a brief episode of loss of consciousness that resolves spontaneously, allowing them to regain awareness and functioning shortly afterward.

Fainting is sometimes used interchangeably with syncope, but syncope is the technical medical term. Coma refers to a prolonged state of unconsciousness that does not resolve quickly, while dizziness is a sensation of light-headedness or imbalance without necessarily implicating a loss of consciousness itself. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the context of medical emergencies and appropriate responses.