Some people use the terms blackout and fainting interchangeably, but they are different things. A blackout is a loss of memory. Fainting, also called passing out, is a loss of consciousness. Both of these can have several different causes.
lightheadedness. sweating. changes to your breathing, such as breathing faster and deeply.
What causes fainting or a blackout? Many people, including doctors, assume that blackouts are due to epileptic seizures, but much more commonly they are due to syncope (pronounced sin-co-pee) – a type of blackout which is caused by a problem in the regulation of blood pressure or sometimes with the heart.
Reflex syncope is the most frequent cause of fainting. Vasovagal syncope — the common faint — occurs in one third of the population. It is by far the most common form of reflex syncope. Vasovagal syncope is often triggered by a combination of dehydration and upright posture.
If you have had a fainting 'spell,' or have felt dizzy to the point of passing out, you should go to an emergency room such as one of Emergency Hospital Systems' ER's where the medical staff can evaluate your situation.
The most common reason for fainting is a sudden drop in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to your brain.
Blackouts can be caused by fainting, low blood pressure, or something more serious. If you have a blackout, it's best to see your doctor.
Fainting is also called syncope. It's a brief loss of consciousness. It lasts just a minute or two, followed by a quick complete recovery.
Depending on the severity of the blackout, loss of power can last anywhere between a few minutes to weeks, and will usually affect specific areas or electricity grids.
Most often, there is a warning prodrome, consisting of nausea, sweating, pallor, feeling of warmth, tingling of extremities, “graying out” and/or tunnel vision.
Most people will recover quickly after fainting once they lie down as more blood flows to the brain. It also helps to loosen any constrictive clothing. After they wake up, have them stay lying down or sitting for a while longer until they're feeling better. Give them water to help them stay hydrated.
A blackout generally does not mean that you have damaged your brain. However, long-term brain damage is a side effect of alcohol use. If a person builds a tolerance to alcohol and blacks out often from drinking, this can be harmful. They may show symptoms that mimic memory loss with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Propping the person's feet and lower legs up on a backpack or jacket also can help blood flow to the brain. Someone who has fainted will usually recover quickly. Because it's normal to feel a bit weak after fainting, be sure the person stays lying down for a bit. Getting up too soon may bring on another fainting spell.
There are two main types of syncope blackouts: neural and cardiac in origin. A neurally mediated syncope is usually benign and does not require further treatment. It could occur when a person's blood pressure drops after experiencing pain or dehydration or getting up too quickly.
A psychogenic blackout can be difficult to diagnose. Very often they occur in young adults as a result of underlying stress and anxiety due to extreme pressure at school or work. 'Psychogenic' does not mean that the person is 'putting it on' as this is an involuntary reaction of the brain to pressure and distress.
With less supply from hydroelectric sources and more demand for cooling homes, supply could have fallen short. More common reasons for blackouts are weather related. Wildfires, hurricanes, thunderstorms and snowstorms can bring down power lines or disrupt electricity generation, causing blackouts.
In particular, sudden fainting without any prior warning signs, such as lightheadedness, dizziness or nausea before a fainting episode, must be assessed by a health care provider.
Situational syncope (a type of vasovagal syncope). Postural or orthostatic syncope (also called postural hypotension). Cardiac syncope. Neurologic syncope.
A simple episode, also called a vasovagal attack or neurally mediated syncope, is the most common type of fainting spell. It is most common in children and young adults. A vasovagal attack happens because blood pressure drops, reducing circulation to the brain and causing loss of consciousness.
If fainting could be due to an underlying health condition, a person should seek medical attention. A doctor will likely carry out investigations, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), to rule out problems such as heart disease. Depending on the results, the person may need treatment.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam. If there is concern your fainting episode could be a predictor of something for more serious, such as a heart condition, you will likely receive a series of tests. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - records the electrical activity of your heart.
Usually, a fainting episode will only last a few seconds, although it will make the person feel unwell and recovery may take several minutes. If a person doesn't recover quickly, always seek urgent medical attention.
Lie down flat with the feet up for 10 minutes. Reason: this will increase blood flow to the brain. Simple fainting is due to a sudden drop in blood flow to the brain.