Experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness can be a frightening experience. Whether it happens to you personally or you witness someone else going through this scary event, it is important to quickly understand what is happening and what the symptoms of blacking out are. In some cases, passing out may be a symptom of a serious medical issue that requires professional attention.

In our guide, we will explain the most common blackout symptoms, the leading causes of this condition, and the best ways to prevent it from happening in the future. We will also help you understand when it is necessary to see a doctor—and what to do when a medical emergency takes place.

Table of Contents

• What Are Blackout Symptoms?
• Top Causes of Blackouts
• How to Deal With Blackouts
• Can You Prevent Blackouts?
• When to See a Doctor About Blackouts
• FAQ
• Never Let Blackouts Disrupt Your Life

What Are Blackout Symptoms?

Blackout symptoms refer to a temporary loss of consciousness and the issues that may precede and follow the fainting spell. Here are the main symptoms you may notice:

Dizziness—before you fall, you may feel unsteady and lightheaded

Vision and hearing changes—some people report tunnel vision and muffled hearing before they pass out

Nausea—feeling sick to your stomach—is rather common when it is accompanied by dizziness and headache

Headache—you may feel pressure in your head before and after you lose consciousness

Confusion—Once you wake up, it is possible you will not remember where you are and feel disoriented

Top Causes of Blackouts

While in many cases blackouts are not linked to a serious disorder, there may be an underlying medical reason behind this symptom. Here are the typical causes of blackouts:

Dehydration—when your body does not get enough fluids, it may lead to an electrolyte imbalance and increased heart rate, followed by a blackout.

Alcohol poisoning—excessive consumption of alcohol may make a person pass out and struggle to remember what happened while they were intoxicated.

Head trauma—a blow to the head may make a person lose consciousness for a few minutes; if you suspect someone has a concussion, bring them to the hospital.

Medications—certain drugs have fainting as a side effect; if you have started a new medication and passed out soon after, consult your doctor

Mental distress—sometimes, people lose consciousness during a panic attack; this may be preceded by hyperventilation and elevated heart rate.

How to Deal With Blackouts?

Here is what you should do when you or the person you are with is about to pass out:

Lie down. If you feel dizzy and light on your feet, do not remain in the standing position—lower your head below your heart, whether you are lying down or sitting.

Get fresh air. Poor ventilation may contribute to blacking out—open the windows or go outside to breathe.

Replenish fluids. It is crucial to drink water after you regain consciousness—dehydration is one of the primary causes of blackouts.

In case the person who lost consciousness does not wake up after a minute or two, it is recommended to call the emergency services, especially if they have hit their head after falling down.

Can You Prevent Blackouts?

Follow these tips to avoid blackouts in the future:

Stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day, limit the intake of caffeinated beverages, and always have a bottle of water with you when you leave the house.

Eat regularly. Do not skip meals, and adopt a balanced diet full of nutrients your body needs.

Avoid triggers. If you have learned that certain medications or activities make you pass out, talk to your physician and steer clear of the things that make you faint.

Wear a hat when it is hot outside, spend limited time under direct sunlight, and slowly stand up when you are getting out of bed in the morning—make your health and well-being a priority.

When to See a Doctor About Blackouts

In general, it is a good idea to mention blackouts to your doctor on the next visit so that they can review your medical history and, possibly, run some tests to diagnose the underlying condition. If blackouts are frequent and start affecting your life, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.

There are worrying symptoms associated with blackouts that should prompt you to seek medical help. If, after regaining consciousness, you or your friend continue to feel confused, and you notice alarming signs such as chest pain, bleeding from a head injury, or difficulty moving a limb, go to the hospital to receive medical treatment.

FAQs

Never Let Blackouts Disrupt Your Life

We hope that our guide will help you recognize blackout symptoms and take better care of yourself or your loved one. Ones. Losing consciousness can be a frightening experience, but in most cases, it is temporary—as long as you implement prevention methods and get a doctor’s advice, you will be able to deal with blackouts.

If you have struggled with blackouts and the symptoms that accompany this issue, you may want to talk to a mental health professional. Reach out to Touchstone Recovery Center to get in touch with experienced practitioners—tell us what bothers you, and we will be able to guide you on the path to recovery!