Temporary loss of consciousness, fainting.

• A. Lightheadedness
• B. Altered Level of Consciousness
• C. Syncope
• D. ALOC

Answer: (C)

Temporary loss of consciousness described as fainting is called syncope. This term is used when the brain briefly doesn’t get enough blood flow, causing a sudden LOC that resolves on its own within minutes. It’s the classic description of real fainting and is different from other terms that describe related but distinct experiences.

Lightheadedness is a feeling of dizziness or near-faintness without an actual loss of consciousness; it’s more like a pre-syncope sensation. Altered level of consciousness refers to any change in awareness or responsiveness and covers a broad range of conditions—from confusion to drowsiness to coma—without implying a brief, self-limited LOC.

So, the best fit for “temporary loss of consciousness, fainting” is syncope because it precisely defines the event as a brief collapse due to transient cerebral hypoperfusion with spontaneous recovery.