Blackouts (Loss of Consciousness): Symptoms & Causes

Some blackouts last only a few seconds, while others can last minutes. Sometimes, a person might seem awake but won't remember anything afterward.

While having an occasional blackout might not be a major concern, experiencing them frequently or without a clear reason could indicate a more serious health issue. It is important to see a doctor if that happens.

Types of blackouts

Alcohol blackouts

Two types of blackouts can happen when you drink alcohol.

• Block: When someone drinks a lot of alcohol, they can experience a blacked-out period, which means they won't remember anything they did while they were drinking.
• Fragmentary blackouts: It only affects certain parts of the memory, so that a person can piece together their memories with the help of prompts.

Syncope blackouts

There are two main types of syncope blackouts: neural and cardiac.

• Neural: Syncope or fainting can occur for different reasons. Neurally mediated syncope is not severe and does not require treatment.
• Cardiac: Syncope is serious and may indicate a heart problem. Take medical help for cardiac syncope to avoid complications or sudden cardiac death.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures due to disrupted brain activity. Not everyone with epilepsy experiences a loss of consciousness during seizures. Seek appropriate care and support based on individual needs.

What Causes Blackouts?

The potential causes of severe or life-threatening blackouts can include traumatic events, substance abuse and various diseases and disorders.

Blackouts can arise from many conditions or events that affect the brain. Often, fainting will result from a traumatic event or an event involving a head injury.

Traumatic causes of blackouts

• Complications of brain surgery
• Concussion
• Electroshock therapy
• Injections and inoculations
• Mild head injury
• Phlebotomy
• Traumatic emotional event

Substance-related blackouts

• Alcohol intoxication
• Side effects of medications
• Cleaning chemicals or pesticides
• Recreational drug use

Diseases and Disorders

• Anaemia
• Brain or spinal cord injury, tumour
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Dehydration
• Dementia
• Depression
• Postural hypotension
• Parkinson disease
• Vasovagal syncope
• Encephalitis

Life-threatening blackouts

• Arrhythmias
• Cardiomyopathy
• Disorders of the heart valves
• Myocardial infarction
• Seizures
• Serious infection
• Stroke
• Traumatic injury

What Are the Symptoms of Blackouts?

Blackouts can feel different for everyone. Some people completely lose consciousness for a short time, while others may stay awake but can not remember what happened. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden memory loss
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Blurred vision
• Confusion or disorientation
• Weakness or feeling faint
• Loss of balance
• Slurred speech or trouble speaking
• Fainting or passing out
• Unusual behavior
• Gaps in memory

When should I visit a doctor?

A person should speak to a doctor if they think they are experiencing symptoms of syncope, epileptic fainting, or fainting spells that result from medication. In cases of severe alcohol poisoning, a person may need emergency help. Most people will resume their everyday lives with medication. If a person's fainting spells are related to an underlying medical condition, they should stop once the person receives treatment to control the condition.

How Are Blackouts Diagnosed?

If you have a blackout, your doctor will try to determine its causes through the following diagnostic methods:

• Discussing Your Symptoms: The doctor will ask you questions about your blackouts, like when they happen, how long they last, and whether anything seems to trigger them.
• Reviewing Your Medical History: The Doctor will evaluate your medical history, such as the medicines you take, your alcohol consumption, and your stress levels.
• You may have some tests like:
• Blood tests: These check for problems like low blood sugar or vitamin deficiencies.
• Heart tests: Used an ECG to see if your heart is beating normally.
• Brain scans: MRI or CT scans are used to check for any issues in your brain.
• EEG test: to see if you are having seizures.
• Tilt table test: To see how your blood pressure reacts when you change positions.

How to Treat Blackouts?

The treatment for blackouts depends on the reasons for their occurrence. Once your doctor figures out the reason, they will suggest the best way to manage it. Here are some common approaches:

• Treat the other health Issues: If blackouts are caused by a health issue like low blood pressure, epilepsy, heart problems or low blood sugar, treating that condition often helps stop the blackouts.
• Adjust your medicines: Some medicines can make you feel dizzy or cause blackouts. Your doctor may change the dose or switch to a different medicine.
• Lifestyle changes: Making small changes in your daily habits can help, such as:
  • Eating regular, balanced meals
  • Drinking enough water
  • Getting enough rest
  • Avoiding alcohol or limiting it
  • Managing stress
• Therapy or counseling: If anxiety, panic attacks or emotional stress are triggering your blackouts, talking to a therapist can be very helpful.
• Medical devices or procedures: In some cases, like heart-related blackouts, you may need a pacemaker or other treatment to keep your heart rhythm steady.
• Seizure medicines: If blackouts are due to epilepsy, then anti-seizure medicines can reduce or stop them.

How Can I Prevent Blackouts?

Blackouts can be scary, but there are steps you can take to stop them:

• Drink less alcohol or avoid it completely if it causes blackouts for you.
• Eat regularly to keep your blood sugar stable, especially if you have diabetes.
• Stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water throughout the day.
• Stand up slowly if you are sitting or lying down to avoid feeling dizzy.
• Get enough sleep: Being overtired can sometimes trigger blackouts.
• Manage stress with deep breathing, meditation or talking to someone.
• Take your medicines as directed and let your doctor know if any make you feel lightheaded or strange.
• Keep regular checkups with your doctor to stay on top of your health.