Information for the public
Referral to see a specialist
Referral to see a specialist
Most blackouts that may mean you need to see a specialist are caused by one of three possibilities: cardiovascular problems, epilepsy or emotional factors. You should be offered a referral to see the most appropriate specialist depending on your symptoms and the results of any tests that you have already had.
Waiting for a specialist assessment
You should be given some advice while you are waiting for your appointment to see a specialist, for example, about what to do if you have another blackout or how active you should be. You should be advised that you must not drive while you are waiting for your appointment and that the specialist will advise you further about your future driving.
Referral to a specialist in epilepsy
If healthcare professionals think that your symptoms suggest that you had an epileptic seizure (that is, you had one or more of the features listed in the box below), you should be offered a referral to a specialist in epilepsy for an assessment and seen within 2 weeks of your blackout.
Features that suggest an epileptic seizure
People who are having an epileptic seizure may:
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have an intense sensation of having experienced something before, or that a situation that should be familiar is completely new to them, before losing consciousness
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not remember their actions before, during or after a seizure that other people noticed were unusual
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have an unusual posture or prolonged jerking of arms and legs during a seizure
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turn their head to one side or bite their tongue when they are unconscious
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experience confusion and disorientation when they regain consciousness.
Some people may also have blackouts or attacks that look like epilepsy but are caused by emotional factors (see If the cause of your blackout remains uncertain). These types of blackouts are very real and can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy, and are therefore best assessed by a specialist in epilepsy.
Referral for specialist cardiovascular assessment
You should be offered a referral for a specialist cardiovascular assessment and further tests (see Specialist cardiovascular assessment and diagnosis) if healthcare professionals aren't sure of the cause for your blackout after your initial assessment, and they don't think you have epilepsy.
Questions you might like to ask your healthcare team
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What tests will I have? Can you tell me why you are recommending them?
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Where am I going to have these tests? Can any of these tests be done by my GP?
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Will I have to go into hospital?
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Will the test hurt? How long will it take?
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Will there be any after effects? Should I take somebody with me?
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Will I have to take any drugs?