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What Causes Temporary Loss Of Consciousness, Headaches And Sharp Eye Pain?
Question: I have experienced what I'll describe as a blackout but it's doesn't fit the definition of what a real blackout is. I have not passed out, don't feel clammy or have any of the symptoms mentioned for a real blackout. What occurs is I will suddenly feel I unsteady or like I may faint, everything (in my head) actually does go black, but within I'd say 5 to 10 seconds, I'm fine. This has only happened maybe 3 times over the last month or so. Also, about 2 weeks ago I did experience sharp pain in my left eye twice, not on the same day though. It came like a flash and was gone. At times I do feel like I'm going to get a headache starting at the top of my head, but it leaves within a few minutes.
Brief Answer:
Rule out heart disease, temporal arteritis, see treating Doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
I understand this can be frustrating and very disturbing. It is however important to get a few things ruled out. I suggest you get a good clinical evaluation, an electrocardiogram to check the heart's electrical activity and ECHO done. Some heart diseases do manifest themselves as such. Also, rapid changes in position, maybe from sitting to standing could be associated with such symptoms, and might be something really serious. Any family or medical history of heart disease? If no, it is more reassuring.
With regards to the headaches and sharp eye pain, it is important to rule out temporal arteritis. This is a systemic disease, that could lead to blindness if not identified and treated properly and early. It is simple to treat any way with steroids. It might b important to know if you experience any fatigue, chronic fevers or pain on touching your head. Doing a simple test like the erythrocyte sedimentation rate to ascertain the degree of inflammation could be important in this case.
I really do suggest you see a physician for a properly clinical review, to rule out any heart disease and get an erythrocyte sedimentation rate measure to rule out temporal arteritis. If all go negative, we are on the very safe side. For now , no worries, but I suggest caution.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please, do feel free asking further questions in case of need. I will be more than happy to contribute.
Dr Bain
Rule out heart disease, temporal arteritis, see treating Doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
I understand this can be frustrating and very disturbing. It is however important to get a few things ruled out. I suggest you get a good clinical evaluation, an electrocardiogram to check the heart's electrical activity and ECHO done. Some heart diseases do manifest themselves as such. Also, rapid changes in position, maybe from sitting to standing could be associated with such symptoms, and might be something really serious. Any family or medical history of heart disease? If no, it is more reassuring.
With regards to the headaches and sharp eye pain, it is important to rule out temporal arteritis. This is a systemic disease, that could lead to blindness if not identified and treated properly and early. It is simple to treat any way with steroids. It might b important to know if you experience any fatigue, chronic fevers or pain on touching your head. Doing a simple test like the erythrocyte sedimentation rate to ascertain the degree of inflammation could be important in this case.
I really do suggest you see a physician for a properly clinical review, to rule out any heart disease and get an erythrocyte sedimentation rate measure to rule out temporal arteritis. If all go negative, we are on the very safe side. For now , no worries, but I suggest caution.
Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please, do feel free asking further questions in case of need. I will be more than happy to contribute.
Dr Bain
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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