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Tilt Table Test Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Fainting is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness. Your brain needs oxygen to work the right way. It gets this from the blood that flows to the brain. If there is a drop in blood flow to the brain for a short time, you may faint. You will wake up after a couple of minutes. ‚  
A tilt table test is used to help understand the cause of feeling faint or lightheaded. This test may be done if you have repeated fainting spells. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored during the test. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Move slowly when changing positions. Take extra care when going from sitting to standing or lying to sitting. Sudden movements may cause a fainting event.
  • Sit on the edge of the bed and take deep breaths before getting out of bed.
  • Move your legs often if you need to sit or stand in one position for a long time.
  • Sit or lie down right away if you feel faint or dizzy. Position your feet higher than your head when you lie down. This will help the blood flow back to your heart and brain.
  • If you feel faint, do not drive a car. Ask your doctor when it is safe to go back to your normal activities.
  • Avoid staying under the sun for a long time.
  • Ask your doctor what to do if you have hard stools or you are having problems with bowel movements.
  • Make your family and friends aware of your health issue and how they can help.
  • Learn how to cope with stress.
  • If possible, learn how to take your own blood pressure. You may take your blood pressure measurements and record it for your doctor.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to control the signs of fainting such as dizziness and upset stomach. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


Physical activities may be limited. Some strenuous activities may cause fainting. You should ask your doctor about what kinds of activities or exercise you should be doing. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Continuous low blood pressure
  • Continuous episodes of fainting that could result in injury

When do I need to call the doctor?


Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚  
  • Signs of heart attack:
    • Chest pain
    • Trouble breathing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Feeling dizzy

Call your doctor if you have: ‚  
  • Headache not relieved by pain drugs
  • Hit your head or have body pain after fainting
  • Another fainting episode
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what I will do to help me stay safe when moving about.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Where can I learn more?


American Heart Society ‚  
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Tilt-Table-Test_UCM_446441_Article.jsp ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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