Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Frequent Panic Attacks Along With Terrible Headaches?


I have these blackouts or I'm not sure if they are panic attacks...everything gets scary...I can't concentrate..it's really black...I can feel things or people coming to the surface..but they never get there....when I'm finished I get a terrible headache...its really scary
Thu, 17 Mar 2016
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Sudden onset blackouts with symptoms like poor concentration, impending sense of doom if occur in episodes and last for about 15-30 minutes occur most probably in panic disorders but some medical causes should be ruled out.

One possibility is some syncopal attack and a physician opinion is needed to rule out this condition. Seizures can also present with similar symptoms and need to be ruled out. If these causes are ruled out then panic is most likely reason and should be treated accordingly. For repeated panic and anxiety symptoms medicines like SSRIs are used commonly.

Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine etc are common SSRI drugs that are used. These have great efficacy and help to control the panic symptoms. Drugs like Clonazepam, Lorazepam etc are commonly advised for severe exacerbations of symptoms. These drugs help to reduce acute panic symptoms and thus result in significant improvement. Please visit a psychiatrist for help.

Apart from this relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercise, yoga etc help in controlling anxiety and panic attacks. Behaviour therapy has great roles in panic and is equally efficacious to medicines.

Thanks, Hope this clears your doubt. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
(Consultant Psychiatrist)
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Frequent Panic Attacks Along With Terrible Headaches?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Sudden onset blackouts with symptoms like poor concentration, impending sense of doom if occur in episodes and last for about 15-30 minutes occur most probably in panic disorders but some medical causes should be ruled out. One possibility is some syncopal attack and a physician opinion is needed to rule out this condition. Seizures can also present with similar symptoms and need to be ruled out. If these causes are ruled out then panic is most likely reason and should be treated accordingly. For repeated panic and anxiety symptoms medicines like SSRIs are used commonly. Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine etc are common SSRI drugs that are used. These have great efficacy and help to control the panic symptoms. Drugs like Clonazepam, Lorazepam etc are commonly advised for severe exacerbations of symptoms. These drugs help to reduce acute panic symptoms and thus result in significant improvement. Please visit a psychiatrist for help. Apart from this relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercise, yoga etc help in controlling anxiety and panic attacks. Behaviour therapy has great roles in panic and is equally efficacious to medicines. Thanks, Hope this clears your doubt. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (Consultant Psychiatrist)