Final answer:
A temporary sudden loss of consciousness is known as fainting, also called syncope, which occurs due to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
A temporary sudden loss of consciousness is known as fainting, also called syncope. Syncope is a condition that arises from a temporary reduction in blood flow and therefore oxygen supply to the brain, leading to a brief loss of consciousness and muscle strength. It is often triggered by several factors, such as dehydration, stress, or certain medical conditions. This differs from a stroke (or cerebrovascular accident (CVA)), as a stroke involves a loss of neurological function caused by a more sustained interruption of blood flow to a region of the central nervous system. Similarly, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary loss of neurological function due to a brief interruption in blood flow, but it is not synonymous with fainting.