General David Petraeus caused a brief scare at a Capitol Hill hearing on Tuesday after he appeared to pass out while taking questions from Arizona Senator John McCain.

Aides rushed to check on Petraeus who was slumped over on the table. He got up on his own after few seconds and left the room.

The four-star general returned a little later and said he had been feeling light headed.

Jet lag and dehydration may be to blame, according to his spokesman.

Petraeus wanted to continue the hearing, but the Senators chose to adjourn and give the 57-year-old time to rest.