Blackouts And Their Causes
Blackouts, Collapses, Faints or Fits are commonly the result of either:
a reduction in blood flow to the brain
or
a seizure.
Syncope is the medical word for a blackout faint or collapse caused by a brief reduction in blood supply to the brain.
This is usually the result of :
- A blood pressure control problem.
- A problem with the heart structure or function; or
- An abnormal fast or slow heart beat
This web site contains information on syncope and similar problems for patients and doctors.
Seizures are due to an electrical disturbance of the brain. More information on seizures can be found at Epilepsy Action Australia.
Syncope can be mistaken for a seizure. Sometimes when people faint, they make jerking movements for a short time, as if they were having a seizure. This occurs due to the temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain.
This site has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Medtronic Australasia
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Rapid advances in medicine may cause information contained in this website to become outdated or subject to debate.
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