Temporary Loss of Consciousness - Blackout - Medical Encyclopedia
Blackout is a
temporary loss of consciousness, most often caused by an inadequate supply of
blood to the brain (fainting), but also may occur during an epileptic seizure
or during a mild stroke.
If a victim has not
regained consciousness within a few minutes, and has not completely recovered
within 15 minutes, summon medical help and treat for unconsciousness.
If a blackout lasts
longer than several minutes, it may be caused by an underlying illness, and the
victim should seek medical advice on recovery.
Repeated blackouts are
also an indication that further medical attention is needed.
An alcoholic blackout
is a little different.
Alcoholics will often
suffer memory loss (amnesia) for a period during which they have been drinking
heavily. Although they may not have lost consciousness at any time, this
for-gotten period is referred to as a blackout.
A history of
alcohol-induced blackouts is strongly suggestive that a person suffers from
alcoholism.
