A new study of fainting reveals essential pathways in the brain.

Key points:

  • Fainting affects up to 40 percent of people due to factors like heat and hunger.

  • A new study reveals a neural pathway controlling fainting, challenging the belief of reduced blood flow.

  • Researchers used RNA sequencing to identify unique neurons linked to the heart and brain.

  • Activation of these neurons induces fainting symptoms, offering insights for potential treatments.

  • SpendrillEnglish
    11·
    6 months ago

    However, one significant question remains unanswered: What triggers these neurons? Van Dijk describes this as “one of the biggest riddles” of his career.

    In other words we now know, partially, how we faint but not why.