What is the difference between blackout and passout

As a precursor to passing out, it is sometimes accompanied by a loss of peripheral vision and usually occurs much more slowly than a blackout. Fainting or blackout usually happens when someone's blood pressure drops suddenly, which causes a decrease in blood flow to his or her brain.

It can be caused by heat exhaustion, dehydration, emotional distress, standing up quickly, taking certain medications, heart problems or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Whiteouts due to cardiovascular changes are more common in aging adults and can often be reversed by having them sit down for moment to regroup. Whiteouts due to physical exertion most often subside after a few minutes of rest and recovery.

Days that have a high "feels like" temperature are common culprits. A full recovery usually takes a few minutes. Medications that can cause your blood pressure to drop also increase your chance of fainting.

These include certain medications used to treat:. This sensitivity can cause you to faint. There are several types of syncope. Three common types include:. Always get up slowly from a sitting or lying-down position. If you tend to feel faint at the sight of blood when getting your blood drawn or during other medical procedures, tell your doctor. They can take certain precautions to prevent you from fainting. 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. When someone near you faints, you can encourage blood flow to their head by raising their feet above the level of their heart.

Loosen tight collars, belts, and other restrictive clothing. Keep the person lying down or sitting for at least 10 to 15 minutes. A cool, quiet place is best.

A cool drink of water may also help. Learn more about first aid tips for unconsciousness. Follow the instructions of the operator or emergency dispatcher. You may need to perform rescue breathing or CPR while awaiting help. If you have no prior history of fainting and have fainted multiple times, your doctor will want to determine if an underlying medical condition is the cause.

Even people who only pass out once should at least get an electrocardiogram ECG or EKG , which records the electrical activity of your heart. Tell your doctor about the specific circumstances of your fainting spell, such as what you were doing and how you felt immediately before fainting. Be prepared to give your doctor a complete medical history, including information about previously diagnosed conditions and any prescription and over-the-counter OTC medications you take.

Like alcohol, sedatives can impair your ability to think and make memories. THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, may also increase blackouts when combined with alcohol. Learn more: Alcohol and anxiety ». Most reports suggest middle-age males with alcoholism are more likely to black out.

Yet, anyone drinking large amounts of alcohol is at risk for blackouts. Young adults in college are also considered at risk. Researchers link that risk to the heavy drinking habits common among many college students. Studies have also found that women may be at greater risk of blackouts even though they generally drink less alcohol less frequently than men. This may be due to the physiological differences that affect alcohol distribution and metabolism.

These include body weight, body fat percentage, and key enzyme levels. Alcohol-induced blackouts differ from person-to-person. The amount you drink, how long it took you to drink, and your physiology play a role in your blackout.

These factors also affect how long the blackout will last. A blackout ends when your body finally absorbs the alcohol and your brain can make memories again. Sleep helps end blackouts because rest gives the body time to process the alcohol. Others, though, can digest liquor while still awake. That means a blackout could last minutes to even days.

Although many people recover from blackouts, one episode can be fatal. In addition to abstaining from alcohol, moderation and pace are important to preventing blackouts. Avoid binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in about two hours for men, or four or more drinks for women. Keep reading: Alcohol abuse and alcoholism, what are the differences?

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Hair-grooming syncope is when you faint during hair grooming activities like combing, brushing, and cutting.