Syncope is a syndrome in which loss of consciousness is of relatively sudden onset, temporary (usually less than 1 to 2 minutes), self-terminating, and of usually rapid recovery. Syncope leads to a generalized weakness of muscles with loss of postural tone, inability to stand upright, and loss of consciousness. Once the patient is in a horizontal position, blood flow to the brain is no longer hindered by gravitation and consciousness is regained. Unconsciousness usually lasts for seconds to minutes. Headache and drowsiness (which usually follow seizures) do not follow a syncopal attack. Syncope results from a sudden impairment of brain metabolism usually due to a reduction in cerebral blood flow.

A form of hypotension characterized by a sudden fall in blood pressure that occurs when a person assumes a standing position.

Redness of the skin of the face, caused by hyperemia of the capillaries in the lower layers of the skin.

An ecchymosis (bruise) refers to the skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels. This term refers to an abnormally increased susceptibility to bruising. The corresponding phenotypic abnormality is generally elicited on medical history as a report of frequent ecchymoses or bruising without adequate trauma.