What to do after a blackout?

Position the person on his or her back. If there are no injuries and the person is breathing, raise the person's legs above heart level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters) — if possible. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too quickly.

What causes a person blackout suddenly?

There are many different causes of blackout – it might be an effect of drugs or alcohol, a problem with circulation, or a problem within the brain, such as epilepsy. It may not be serious, but it is important to see your doctor and try to establish the underlying cause.

What to do after you pass out?

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.

How long does a blackout last?

Utility workers can fix a minor incident, such as a fallen power line, in around 2-3 hours. But when the cause of a blackout is severe weather or a natural disaster, you can expect to be out for several days and even months in some extreme cases.

Should I go to the ER after fainting?

' If you have fainted, you should see a physician or visit an emergency room right away to identify the cause of your fainting and to ensure you do not have a serious underlying condition. Generally, fainting indicates a drop in blood pressure resulting in too little blood (and, hence, oxygen) reaching your brain.

What Happens To Your Brain When You Get Blackout Drunk | The Human Body

Should you drink water after fainting?

“If you feel these symptoms, lay down or sit down and do not get up until you feel your body has returned to normal,” he says. Also, be sure to drink lots of water.

What is the difference between fainting and blacking out?

Some people use the terms blackout and fainting interchangeably, but they are two different things. A blackout is a loss of memory. Fainting, also called passing out, is a loss of consciousness.

How long does it take to recover after blacking out?

Generally, though, it may take up to two weeks for the brain's chemistry to return to normal after experiencing extended periods of alcoholic blackout.

How do you act when you blackout?

Someone who has blacked out may simply act intoxicated, unaware of how impaired their mind is. Symptoms of blackouts are exhibited through confusion about surrounding events, losing train of thought, or misunderstanding normal speech.

What happens to the brain during a blackout?

During a blackout, a person is still awake but their brain is not creating new memories. Depending on how much the person drank, it is possible to transition from having a blackout to passing out.

What happens to your body when you pass out?

The heart slows down and pumps less blood, so blood pressure drops. Then the brain doesn't get enough oxygenated blood, and the person faints.

Why do I feel tired after fainting?

After the episode, symptoms may continue because of continued low blood pressure. Some people feel extremely tired afterward. Heart rhythm problems — A number of disturbances in the rate and/or rhythm of the heart can cause syncope.

How do you know if you're about to blackout?

Feeling lightheaded and weak and having the sensation of spinning are warning signs of fainting. If you notice any of these signs, sit and put your head between your knees to help get blood to your brain. You could also lie down to avoid injury due to falling.

What does it feel like before you blackout?

A person often has warning sign before a simple faint: these signs include pale skin, blurry eyesight, nausea, and sweating. Others signs are feeling dizzy, cold, or warm. These last for 5-10 seconds before fainting.

Can you feel when you're about to blackout?

Feeling faint is known as presyncope. This causes the feeling of lightheadedness with the sensation that you'll pass out without actually losing consciousness, or syncope. Warning symptoms, such as feeling warm and sweaty, blurred vision or seeing stars, racing heart and feeling weak often precede the faint feeling.

Can you recover from a blackout?

Although many people recover from blackouts, one episode can be fatal.

Can you recover memories from a blackout?

You generally cannot retrieve memories that have not been stored in your long-term memory. If you have had a complete blackout, you will likely not be able to remember anything from the experience.

How long does it take to sober up from being blackout drunk?

While the length of time a person remains “drunk” varies, the average, moderately-intoxicated person will probably be sober in 6-8 hours. If it takes much longer than this, the person should be (or should have been) hospitalized.

How long does it take for brain chemistry to return to normal?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, know this – the brain can heal from the aftermath of chemical dependency. Experts suggest 90 days as a general estimate for rewiring the brain, but everyone is different.

How common are alcohol blackouts?

Alcohol-induced blackouts are more common than generally recognized, occurring in 55 percent of college drinkers. Blackouts are influenced by one's genetic vulnerability as much as by the amount one drinks. Blackouts are due to dysfunction in the part of the brain responsible for memory formation—the hippocampus.

What mental illness causes blackouts?

Psychogenic Blackouts: Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are the most common causes of psychogenic blackouts. This can be due to chronic stresses, such as being foreclosed on or having someone close to you pass away.

Can anxiety cause blackouts?

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.

Is fainting a stroke?

Although most strokes do not cause fainting, a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) that involves certain blood vessels at the base of the brain (posterior circulation stroke) can cause fainting. Similarly, a migraine that involves these blood vessels sometimes causes fainting.

What are 3 things that can cause fainting?

What do people see when they pass out?

Your field of vision may "white out" or "black out." Your skin may be cold and clammy. You lose muscle control at the same time, and may fall down. Fainting usually happens when your blood pressure drops suddenly, causing a decrease in blood flow to your brain.