Introduction
At times, people may experience a phenomenon of losing time or going completely blank in terms of memory for a short period – this is commonly known as a blackout, and it could range from a few seconds to a few minutes. To the observer, this looks similar to a fainting spell, and there may be a loss of consciousness too. In short, when you experience a blackout, it is a state of losing consciousness for a brief time.
What are the causes of Blackouts?
Blackouts occur when the body does not get the support of adequate blood flow to the brain. It usually happens when someone makes sudden movements, like standing up after being seated for a while. Low blood pressure could also be one of the causes. Blackouts can also occur in patients with epilepsy and may cause sudden death. Moreover, abnormalities in the ECG or a history of heart disease are also indicators of blackouts.
A psychogenic blackout episode is an involuntary reaction of the brain to pressure. A sudden traumatic experience can make a person blackout.
Another cause of a blackout is excess consumption of alcohol, leading to high blood pressure and making the person unconscious.
If you suffer from arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), heart diseases, problems in blood vessels in the brain, mental illness, low blood sugar, or even consumption of illicit drugs, then you could be prone to blackouts.
What are the diagnosis and treatment options for Blackouts?
If you are experiencing blackouts, seek medical help. Usually, your doctor will perform a diagnosis alongside a preliminary physical examination, including counting irregular heartbeats and checking your blood pressure.
One of the assessment tests a doctor performs is the tilt test, which helps assess unexplained unconsciousness. You are asked to lie on a table, after which the body position is adjusted to vertical from horizontal. This helps stimulate the stand-up position, enabling the doctor to determine if disorientation or change in position is causing low blood pressure and blackouts. Such a change in position may not be processed appropriately in cases of an issue with the cognitive abilities of the cerebellum or the inner ear.
When should you consult a doctor if you have a blackout?
It is advisable to consult a doctor when you or your loved ones are experiencing blackouts. If the unconscious state extends for more than a few minutes and the occurrence is frequent, there may be the possibility of an underlying heart illness. Blackouts could also indicate a family history of epilepsy or other chronic diseases. Consulting the doctor, therefore, takes priority.
Book a free medical consultation with our specialist doctors at Yashoda Group of Hospitals and get an accurate diagnosis for blackouts. To book an appointment, contact
Conclusion
Blackouts can be a serious health condition and, in some cases, life-threatening. The treatment for blackouts should not be done at home without consulting a doctor or a qualified medical professional. A skilled medical expert will be able to diagnose the possible cause of your blackouts. The good news is that most underlying disease conditions can be treated with appropriate medical care.
Get in touch with a specialist doctor at the Yashoda Group of Hospitals and get the highest standards of medical care and treatment for your blackouts.
