What Could Cause A Sudden Episode Of Nausea, Chills, Sweating And A Fainting Feeling?

Posted on Fri, 23 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 Answered on

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Last night, I was out with my wife. Towards the end of the night, I had sudden feeling of my stomach dropping (I don't know how to describe it any other way), sudden onset nausea, and cold, sweaty skin. I felt like I was going to pass out.

I am a 50 y/o male, 5'10", 260 lbs, muscular, but carrying too much weight. I have high blood pressure, well controlled with Benazepril 20 mg, daily. I had about 4 oz. of bourbon before dinner, and 4 oz. after dinner, with a cigar. I was not drunk, however. For dinner, I ate an 8 oz steak with a handful of french fries. I have approximately 6 alcohol drinks per week, total.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably vasovagal syncope

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

This is suggestive of syncope. Syncope is caused by a transient drop in blood pressure often caused by excessive excitation of the vagal nerve. It is often a transient observation and requires no medical intervention.

For now, observe only. If this happens again, alert us as this may warrant a series of evaluations to make sure there is nothing we are missing out on.

I hope this helps and guides you. I wish you well.

Regards,
Dr. Ivo Ditah
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar