While both of these sound scary, in reality most episodes of blacking out are not related to life threatening health problems. Alcohol impairs your ability to form new memories while intoxicated. In exceptional cases it may be that some people have experienced ill treatment or abuse in childhood. A doctor will want to rule out heart problems that could be life-threatening. UK research has shown that approximately 30% of adults and up to 40% of children diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK do not have the condition. There are three major reasons for why people may experience a blackout(s): Many syncopal attacks are mistaken for epilepsy. When a person says he’s blacked out, he could mean one of several things. Please click here for more COVID-19 information and resources. – Psychogenic blackouts: resulting from stress or anxiety. STARS please enter your details below*: *Please note you can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. regulation of blood pressure or by a problem with +44 (0)1789 867 503 | info@stars-international.org. But blackouts can be very dangerous. People who’ve had the second kind of blackout may remember bits and pieces of the blackout period. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Diagnosis of epilepsy is made by a neurologist. Its principal aim is to help you and your doctor reach the correct diagnosis for any unexplained loss of consciousness (blackout).
However epilepsy only affects slightly less than 1% of the population. If you drive a car, for instance, you not only put your own life at risk but the lives of those around you. That’s because people who’ve blacked out don’t know what they are doing and may do things they otherwise wouldn’t. Why fainting happens, and how to nip it in the bud. More often, people faint when there’s too little blood flow to the brain. Psychogenic blackouts occur most often in young adults. It comes on suddenly, only lasts for a short time and you recover fully within a short time. Blackouts may even be life-threatening. See additional information. Signs and symptoms of fainting include weak, lightheaded, sweaty, vertigo, and hearing sensations. Available for Android and iOS devices.
It's frightening when it comes out of the blue, more so when it happens again and again. Another possibility is he might have stayed awake, continued talking, moving, or even driving but then later not remember what he’d done. It is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for evaluation by a health professional. Step 4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms. Many syncopal attacks require only explanation and reassurance from a GP or trained nurse regarding the likely absence of anything being seriously wrong. the heart. Alcohol-related blackouts can happen to anyone, but certain things like the following can make them more likely: Alcohol-related blackouts generally don’t cause more widespread loss of memory.
If you or someone you know has blackouts that involve loss of memory or consciousness and you don’t know why, see a doctor right away. Every patient presenting with an unexplained blackout should be given a 12-lead ECG (heart rhythm check) It … Use of this content is subject to specific Terms of Use & Medical Disclaimers. Syncope can affect all age groups but the causes vary with age, and in older adults multiple causes often exist. Miniature Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) System. Some of those people will faint again within the next three years. Welcome. The questions are ones your doctor is likely to ask you. +44 (0)1789 867 503info@stars-international.org, © 2020 STARS - Ireland ATTENTION: We are here for you during this COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to provide support. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.