Thread: Blackouts
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Old 08-17-2017, 10:44 AM
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
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15 yr Member
Mark in Idaho Mark in Idaho is offline
Legendary
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Somewhere near here
Posts: 11,418
15 yr Member
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Rev Army Vet,

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

From what you have told us, I don't think there is an answer to your question. The blackout are undefined. Are these syncope (fainting or passing out where you end up on the ground) ? Are they just a loss of awareness such as a absence seizure?

It really doesn't matter what caused them unless you are trying to get a disability rating that needs to tie to military service.

Have you ever been tested for BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and orthostatic hypotension.)? This is where the body does not maintain proper blodd pressure to the head. I've had a mild but chronic case of BPPV for 20 years. I've ended up on the floor twice. Usually, I recognize the onset and grab and hold on. I also suffered from absence seizures in my youth that my doctor believed were from a reinjury/reconcussion.

It would be worth getting a thorough assessment of blood pressure issues, heart function, vestibular function and such. If this is BPPV, one can often learn to manage it as I do. If it is absence seizures, then meds and driving come into the mix. If your heart is skipping a few beats, that can be addressed. The diagnostics may be a challenge but with a family, getting an understanding of what is happening is important.

My BPPV came on years after a concussion. I had anesthesia for knee surgery and never seemed to get back to normal.

Your issues may be related to your concussion or they may be something else. It is just difficult to say. You may have a vasovagal system malfunction.

My best to you.
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Mark in Idaho

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10
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