UPDATE: thanks so much for your helpful responses, everyone. Unfortunately I’m still feeling dizzy and sort of spaced out - not really with it I guess. It’s been four days which seems longer than most of you say, but not unheard of. I’m going to go back to my GP tomorrow. Hopefully they can run some more tests and get to the bottom of this.

I hope it’s ok to post here. I just had my first syncopal episode so I don’t have a diagnosed condition and it’s not a regular occurrence for me (at least I really hope it won’t become a regular thing).

Basically I tripped over on my way into work yesterday and as I was sitting up I suddenly felt really lightheaded and my ears started ringing and I could see stars. Then it was like I was asleep in bed dreaming, I was warm and comfortable, but then there all these loud noises and people were standing around me as I lay on the floor. They were saying things but it was like I couldn’t figure out what they were saying. Someone was rubbing my back. After I little while I guess I got more with it and could understand what was going on and who everyone was (my colleagues - it happened right outside my office) and respond to them. One of my colleagues was on the phone to the ambulance and I was able to help answer their questions.

The ambulance came really quickly, ran a few tests (ECG, blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar) and said I’d fainted from the shock of falling over and there weren’t any signs of anything underlying. My husband came and picked me up and I spent the rest of the day at home with him. I went to the GP who said they agreed with the paramedics but I should call 999 if I had any chest pains or trouble breathing. They also explained it’s caused by the vagus nerve and I might feel rough for a while after (I felt nauseous and light headed and had a bit of a headache).

Thing is I still don’t feel right today. Still quite lightheaded if I’m on my feet too long (which isn’t long at all). Otherwise ok but I’ve taken the day off sick just in case. I’m guessing I should keep resting until I feel normal again, but I’m starting to worry about how long that will take.

How long do the after effects usually last for you? When do you usually go back to work?