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- When you drink in excess, brain cells stop communicating as fast and precisely with one another. That means less information can be transmitted, which is what causes the blackout.
www.vice.com/en/article/we-asked-a-neurologist-to-explain-the-science-of-blacking-out/We Asked a Neurologist to Explain the Science of Blacking Out
People also ask
Why does one blackout happen?
What causes a blackout in the brain?
How does a blackout affect your memory?
What causes a blackout & a transient loss of consciousness?
Is a blackout a partial or complete blackout?
What does being blackout drunk mean?
- Overview
- What is a blackout?
- Alcohol blackouts
- Syncope blackouts
- Epilepsy blackouts
- Can stress cause blackouts?
- Can medication cause blackouts?
- When to see a doctor
- Summary
A blackout refers to a loss of consciousness or complete or partial memory loss. Possible causes of blackouts include epilepsy and drinking a large volume of alcohol. Some causes of blackouts constitute a medical emergency.
If a person notices someone falling unconscious, they should put them in a seated position or help them lie down so that they do not hurt themselves.
Some people define blackouts as a temporary loss of consciousness that typically lasts for a few minutes.
However, a 2016 review observes that overconsuming alcohol may lead to alcohol-induced blackouts, which can, in some cases, be due to memory loss rather than a loss of consciousness.
Two different kinds of blackouts can result from drinking alcohol: en bloc and fragmentary.
When a person consumes a very large volume of alcohol, an en bloc blackout may occur. If this happens, they will not remember anything that they did while they were drinking.
The American Heart Association (AHA) describe a syncope blackout as a short temporary loss of consciousness that happens when not enough blood reaches the brain.
People may also refer to this type of blackout as fainting. Low blood pressure typically causes syncope blackouts because the heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
There are two main types of syncope blackouts: neurally mediated and cardiac.
A neurally mediated syncope is usually benign and requires no further treatment. It could occur when a person’s blood pressure drops after they experience pain or dehydration or get up too quickly. This type of syncope tends to occur more in children and young adults.
A disturbance of neuronal activity in the brain can cause an epileptic episode. During these episodes, people may experience a seizure. Their muscles may contract, and they could lose consciousness.
However, just because a person has epilepsy, it does not necessarily mean that they will blackout when they have a seizure. The disorder is a spectrum, and it covers many other symptoms.
If a person experiences blackouts as a result of stress, this is known as a psychogenic blackout. While these blackouts are similar to syncope and epileptic blackouts, the causes are different.
Experts believe that when people are experiencing a threatening feeling, thought, or memory, it can overwhelm them so much that it induces a seizure.
Some symptoms of psychogenic blackouts include:
•fainting and falling
•jerking movements of the arms and legs
•losing control of the bladder and bowel
According to one 2015 study, vasodilatory medications and diuretics could result in syncope blackouts.
Another 2015 study suggests that overconsuming sedatives could cause memory loss. In one case study, the excessive use of alprazolam (Xanax) led a 50-year-old woman to experience memory loss blackouts. However, more research is necessary to support these findings.
A person should speak to a doctor if they believe that they are experiencing symptoms of syncope, epileptic blackouts, or blackouts that are the result of medication. In cases of severe alcohol intoxication, a person may need emergency assistance.
With treatment, most people will be able to continue their daily activities. If a person’s blackouts are related to an underlying medical condition, they should stop once the person receives treatment to manage the condition.
Excessive alcohol use, stress, medication, and epilepsy can all cause blackouts. While blackouts are a frightening experience, treatment can allow people to lead a normal life without the fear of falling unconscious or losing their memory.
Oct 7, 2015 · Partial blackouts are scientifically known as “fragmentary” and commonly known as “brown-outs”. Complete blackouts are scientifically called “en bloc” and sometimes referred to as “that never...
Jul 22, 2019 · THE BASICS. Alcohol-induced amnesia, more commonly referred to as “blacking out” occurs when an individual indulges in too much alcohol. Blacking out is not uncommon among drinkers,...
A blackout, or transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) occurs because there is: a disorder of the circulation—syncope; a disorder of the brain—epilepsy (or other rare neurological condition); a disorder of the psyche—psychogenic seizures.
- Adam P Fitzpatrick, Paul Cooper
- 2005
Aug 20, 2020 · A blackout is a temporary condition that affects your memory. It’s characterized by a sense of lost time. Blackouts occur when your body’s alcohol levels are high. Alcohol impairs...
Oct 2, 2018 · • A blackout occurs when the brain is temporarily unable to record memories. It can be induced by drinking, because alcohol disrupts the activity of the hippocampus, inhibiting its...
