Can Anxiety Cause A Near Blackout Experience--for a split second

[JamesAA]

I am an agoraphobic/anxiety guy with panic disorder.  A few times a year, often at night, while sitting and relaxing, watching TV or on the PC I will just, out of the blue get this split second almost blackout like feeling...kinda like someone pulled the plug on me then plugged it back in.  I never have lost consciousness but it feels like I'm very close to losing it.  I have no idea if that's related to my anxiety or not as it seems to happen when my heart is chilled out.  Last night it happened when i was feeling nervous/sad about something but that could be a total coincidence.

Has anyone experienced this?  I know a lot of people having panic attacks feel like they are about to black out but I wasn't having a panic attack.  My heart rate was like 65 bpm and at the time I wasn't flippin out.  

Anyway it's scary and I already have enough phobias.  

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.  I'd appreciate any help or info any of you have.

~James

[Nitsuj242]

James, glad you posted this and hope to help ease your mind. I suffer from severe anxiety and have had an ongoing amount of the same ones as well as getting the awesome gift of continually receiving new symptoms even ones that I haven't heard of with all of my research. This has happened to me on several occasions so you are not alone. It is very scary. When it happens to me I have either been riding (passenger for others on the road's sake and my own sake) in the car and it happened during the day around 2-3 or 4 pm-ish. I got REALLY weak feeling and felt like I was falling and about to completely lose my consciousness then I yelled out holy sh*t!! Scaring my mom to death by kicking and hitting the arm rest with my hand in panic. It was just a little tiny bit unpleasant to say the least. :P Just as you stated as if someone pulled the plug and plugged you back in right away.( I like this description of yours LOL sounds all Matrix style). Plus the thought of this just being an illusion and passing away merely just us being unplugged to go into the actual reality makes it not seem as scary when that time to die does come.:)  Ok, back on topic. The other times it has happened have been just like yours and were when I was winding down on the computer. I was actually on Medhelp and replying to a friend's message then BAM I got really weak and my head fell limp as I felt I was blacking out then I pulled through and was like what the h*ll?!? You are so right. It is VERY scary. I even thought I was dying when it happened but never did actually lose consciousness. So hang in there man, it appears to be anxiety for the both of us ;hope this helped ease your mind and whatnot.

[JamesAA]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience(s) too.  Are yous like extremely brief in nature (like a split second) and do they come out of nowhere?  

Also have you talked to your Dr. about it and does he/she believe it's anxiety related?  

I appreciate you taking the time to explain this to me.  I also want to wish you continued luck in your fight against anxiety.  Are you taking anything for it?  I'm going to start taking Zoloft or Klonopin or both.  

Have a nice weekend,
James

[Nitsuj242]

Hey no problem, I like to try and help with the posts I have experienced and am able to explain...because it makes me remember how awful it was when I started going through all of this and how awful it feels to be in the dark looking for answers and don't want others to go through that as well. It seems there is nothing worse then not having any answers!

-Are yous like extremely brief in nature (like a split second) and do they come out of nowhere?
                                   That would be a big YES!!! I was feeling completely fine as if I had enough energy to get through the day and then qwa blam I'm blacking out or dying!!!!! Only to snap out of it in a matter of 2 seconds. I had it actually happen 2 times following eachother in a matter of a half hour one time too as well as somehow feeling this while I was sleeping oddly. That one is VERY strange and scary because you are all like ok I'm sleeping, i'm sleeping then BAM I'm going even further then sleeping?! Then you'll possibly think I'm dying!!! Then you jump awake.No fun.

-Also have you talked to your Dr. about it and does he/she believe it's anxiety related?  

I honestly don't remember but probably did. It seems i've gone in with a written phone book of symptoms of the like and the Dr. has always been thinking it's just anxiety. I just hope he is right because I am worried he is starting to either blow me off and write everything off as anxiety and that if there IS something going on that he won't address it or help it. It seems if you have anxiety maybe it's best to not even mention it to your Dr. or he might write everything off as anxiety when in fact it may be something requiring care.
                       You are very welcome. Thank you very much. Unfortunately no; I am completely untreated other then therapy and I feel like sh*t. It seems the therapy is pointless unless you are also on meds. The reason I am off is because I ditched my noob Dr. who was making me worse. He was putting me on things that actually made the anxiety way worse (Risperdal) or not helping at all (Buspar). Then the latest one he prescribed me was "Haldol" which had reports of unsuspected deaths and heart failure to the users!!! I was like nope...this guy is an idiot. He is going to either get me killed or locked up in an institution for life. So please read up on the side effects of the meds before you take them because it seems some Dr.s don't even know what the side effects are and just write out the prescriptions as if you are a guinea pig(or it can feel that way at least) Zoloft can be a good drug actually. I had been on it. It helped me for a good while but eventually stopped working years later due to a tolerance I think. Yes!!! Klonopin. I want to get on that too actually. I heard it really helps but Dr.s have been too scared to put me on it even though it WILL help because it is habit forming which is frustrating. I don't know about you but I honestly couldn't care less if it was addicting if it really does work. Hey thanks. Have a nice weekend too!
-Justin

[JamesAA]

Hey Justin.  You're a cool dude and again I really appreciate you writing back and sharing your story.  I started taking Klonopin and so far I can say that I like it a lot.  I was prescribed 0.5mg pills, for 2x/day.  I cut it in half, so I'm only taking a mere 0.25mg once a day.  It takes just enough edge off and makes me function better w/no side effects...I'm not groggy, I don't lose my sex drive (God forbid, lol), no headaches, no upset stomach...nothing.  I'm sure I will need to gradually up my doses and yes I've read it can be habit forming.  That alone use to scare me.  It still kinda does but to be honest, I'd rather be on something that is habit forming but give me a better life, than to be free of meds but worrying all the time.  I'm sure you can relate to that.  Anxiety BLOWS!  

Anyway keep fighting the fight man!  Sounds like you're doing ok! :)

~James

[chris2303]

Hello James,

I was wondering whether you have experienced any more of these "near blackouts" since posting?

I ask because I have suffered with anxiety/panic attacks for years.  Recently I have been going through a period of feeling stressed and have been suffering the usual panic attacks.  Only this time I have had 2 instances where it felt like a near blackout.  Sitting in a chair both times and moving me head (quickly) is the common factor in my case.  At the time not particularly anxious but afterwards full blown panic attack and continued anxiety for ages.  I don't lose vision and don't lose any consciousness - I do believe you are describing what I've experienced and so perhaps it is anxiety related.

Thanks for your post - I didn't think I would find anyone else who had the same problem - it doesn't help that it's not particularly easy to describe.

Take care

Chris

[frankino007]

Hey guys/gals, just wanted to add my experience which is identical to what you guys describe.  For me it started a few months ago, was working on the computer and all of a sudden I get this weird head rush like im going to pass out but I don't.  Went to er, doc said no neurologic problem.  I follow up with my family gp and did a physical, blood work, ecg all normal.  I have suffered from anxiety all my life, little ocd, depression etc.  Now every so often I get these split second "panic attacks", like a warm rush to my head that makes me dizzy for a moment and its like I have to refocus or I will fall.  it is so strange, I didn't think anxiety could do this, but everyone says that's exactly what anxiety/stress do!! I asked my dr to send me to a specialist (neourologist) for mri, ct scan, ultrasound etc but he refuses, saying there is no need.  I live in Canada where we cant pay for tests out of our own pockets so if your family gp doesn't think you need them then they will not send you.  kinda ***** cause sometimes having the tests puts your mind at ease a bit which lessens the anxiety.  Anyway, love these posts as it shows we are not alone!

[Joe62644]

I've had similar experiences though it coincided with my entire right side going numb, from my face, throat, shoulder, arm, even the right side of my torso to my toes. It feels like my head is about to roll off my shoulders. I have not felt like I was on the verge of passing out since I had 3 stents placed into my lower left artery that feeds my heart.

[solarphonics]

Im with you i have suffered these crippling attacks as well, the numbness the blacking out, and even falling ..and every health professional comes up with the same response, anxiety ...i have questioned this a tonne of times and it all leads apparently to this anxiety condition
my thoughts are with you all and i wish you can find some peace ..but it is a constant battle and doesnt seem to make any sense  
i mean how can you tell whether you are having a stroke, or is it anxiety .i think we have a right to be worried, just in case, i call the paramedics every time i have a symptom like numbness just to be sure its not my anxiety but 9 times out of 10 thats what theyll say its anxiety hmm

Paul

[Rhy2054]

Hi guys I just wanted to say I recently started to have this problem and reading this has helped me so much, iv never been diagnosed with anxiety but I seem to be having the same problems but the only difference is a slight confusion afterwards and very brief memory loss I just wanted to know if anyone else had this or knew about it

Thank you all for the help

Rhy

[Ryanlouis]

Yes have felt that.  Usually when I'm really relaxed. I think it's from holding my breath.  Next time check in and see if you were holding your breath.

[wardsgirl1026]

how does it actually feel? Today standing on a curb for a split second i felt myself disappear. When I came back I was holding my arms out like i was falling and i could not understand what happened. I have been suffering from major anxiety and panic attacks for years. Well as far as I can remember. Comes down to chest pains, seeing stuff out of the corner of my eye that is really not there.. So thank you for post it helps knowing i am not the only one.... It scared me alot..

Karen

[michellefg]

Thanks for sharing everyone, I have been to the Drs twice already as I have these 'episodes' once a month, but when busy at work every day..The 'falling, blacking out, lose of mind' is terrifying, it feels like a split second a loss of consciousness, or what it would be like to 'leave'.  For me, the scary feeling is what if I loss consciousness permanently (not snap out of it).  This happens to me when I have been standing for a period of time, I can be busy or enjoying a relaxed chat.  There are no warnings however I often have fuzzy brain for an hour after.  On my second consult Dr finally done a BP check while I was standing (as often done when sitting), this proved I had lower blood pressure while standing.  However, they didn't know why or what I could do to fix it!.  On reading all of your comments it is interesting that most suffer anxiety also.  I have experienced this in the past however not presently.  One thing I do know is that anxiety can be caused from prolonged stress, but it can also cause stress.  When your body is stressed it goes into a 'fright or flight' response.  This stress response activates hormones in the body to quicken heart rate, increase breath, increase respiration, slow digestion, etc, etc (much like anxiety feelings).  When this is on-going the continual stress hormones can put huge strain on your organs (i.e. keep your heart beating faster than normal, cause sleep disturbances i.e. adrenalin still pumping through your blood, and so forth).  I am not a doctor, however I am beginning to wonder if prolonged stress is causing blood pressure havok??? I'm glad I am not the only person who is concerned re these episodes.

[eva119]

The best conclusion that I can come to as to why you come close to losing consciousness when relaxed has to do with blood pressure. I think this because your body uses passing out as a defence mechanism when blood pressure is low in order to make you lay flat and increase blood flow to the brain. Because you have anxiety and blood pressure is high when anxious, maybe your body is confused and thinks your blood pressure is low when you're calm. keep in mind I am not a medical professional so this could be completely wrong.

[shellann628]

I too have anxiety.  The other night I was standing and looking down at my phone, I suddenly felt my chest being crushed, I couldn't breathe, my vision started to go black and I "came to" on my knees.  I had been diagnosed with symptomatic low blood pressure previously, there's nothing I can do except eat more salt in my diet.  I went to the ER after the blackout episode and they ruled out any heart problems.
I've been eating more salt these past couple days so hopefully I won't experience another terrifying episode.  I'm supposed to be on Prozac but I'm nervous (haha) about side effects.

[SnowyHills]

Pleased to find this as i had something similar last night while lying in bed in a half sleep state with rain and distant thunder and lightening going on outside.
I had 1sec,  max two seconds where i realised i had lost all my senses (but able to think) it felt like i was somewhere pure black no sound nothing and i thought "have i just died" after a second or two passed everything returned to normal and i did a few checks like wiggle fingers and toes and make a few face twitches ( thought it could be a stroke) no pain no lasting effect apart from feeling rather bemused. I told my wife who thought it odd so i did a Google search and found this. My sister took her own life 10 weeks ago and have parents who are not well so the anxiety thing is probably correct i have never had anything like this before and as far as i know I'm in reasonable shape and although external factors can be stressful i don't feel that i suffer from anxiety.
hope you all find solutions to your problem and i hope that mine does not occur again.

[san2sweet]

How are your symptoms about this now?   any update?

[san2sweet]

I suffered from a similar problem in the last few months and it has happened thrice.
I am normally working at my computer and suddenly it felt as if someone is pulling the chair from behind and i am about to fall. I am like "Oh ****"...
But it lasts only for a split second and then goes away.

I am a diabetic and am on medication for that and hypertension.
But this experience makes my anxiety worse and also there is loss of confidence to going out anywhere alone.

But someone how i manage. The doctor told me it is anxiety and i should not worry too much about it as it is totally harmless. Nothing is wrong with my brain or my heart as i fear...

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Any updates on your problem recently?

[Gonecrazy7]

My Dr said my symptoms were attributed to mini-sleep. Last night I was driving, stopped at a red light , feeling fine. The next thing I am in the middle of intersection with light still red, traffic coming at me honking their horns. This jolted me to consciousness. Just seconds of time. I freaked out, still feeling fine, and quickly drive home. Even today I am still fine! He said if one has any amount of lack of sleep they can go into mini-sleep many times throughout the day and be unaware of it.  Like a mini alcoholic blackout. I had had an EKG, chest X-RAY and blood work a couple of weeks ago. All normal. I am going through Xanax and Prozac detox/withdrawals and an on Neurontin to prevent seizures. Interesting idea! Micro-sleep is when you are still awake, functioning but your brain goes to sleep! During this time/seconds you are totally unaware,  dont see or hear anything and are usually something jolts your brain awake! There are videos on the net about this condition. So weird!!!

[Gonecrazy7]

Meant to say " micro-sleep"!

[John0230]

Just want to thank everyone in this thread. Just knowing Im not alone n this or that its not death playing "ding dong ditch" is a big comfort. I am grateful. I have numerous blood issues, anxiety, and quit smoking again 2 months ago. I guess it could be anything and was worried a stroke was poking at me. Be blessed, all.

[Aqeelah101]

I think I have been experiencing this as well. I am a 22year old female and I was diagnosed with anxiety a couple of years ago the problem is I do not have any stress in my life or anything but the doctor told me you do not need stress to have anxiety, they put me on Zopax twice a day. I have been to the hospital because I have been having these episodes where I feel like my whole body is shutting down and that I am going to just black out but I would shake it off and drink some water and try and forget the feeling it has been happening a lot lately and it really scares me, the Doctors did blood tests, ultra sounds, X-rays and say that there is nothing wrong and that I am healthy I am waiting for my neurologist appointment which might take a couple of months, I just want to know if anyone experiences headaches daily as well? Because I suffer with headaches everyday so I am scared it might be something more than anxiety. And it always happens when I am relaxed.

[jason8501]

Aqeelah101 I almost have the same thing as you and the other comments. I just don't have headaches. This has happened to me multiple times today. Some days I am 100% fine and others I am bad like today. Same as you all, I have been to the doctors and all kinds of tests that find nothing. Doctors have said it is GAD.

Some days like today is scary though. I was just sitting at my desk working on making a powerpoint when all of a sudden I felt as if I was going to pass out. I feel like if I do not move then I will pass out so usually I jump up and move and it goes away. It seems to be worse before I have a bowel movement too, which is gross to talk about and totally weird. Sometimes having a bowel movement makes it go away for a while.

At night my face gets hot and flushed. I am in a brain fog or cloud often. I also have heart palpitations where I think I am going to die at any minute.

I am scared to death of death, that's a weird comment lol. I am not ready to die and if I get a pinched nerve I think I am dieing of some crazy disease. I hate this feeling of almost passing out. It is so scary. I am so scared I am actually going to pass out and die. I don't want to leave my family yet.

I also do not feel like I have stress in my life. I worked in Law Enforcement and have also been a Firefighter for 25 years. I recently, about 2 years ago, went to a Law Enforcement Instructor job which was less stress and that is when all of these symptoms started. It was like my old stressful job was keeping my mind off the death I have seen and now it is coming out. Like I said, I don't feel stress and I don't think about things I have seen but the Doctors say it doesn't matter, your mind still does without you knowing.

Sorry that I went on and on, I am just so tired of feeling this way and hope somebody will see this and help all of us. I feel so dumb when I go to the doctor for something and they tell me I am fine and to stop worrying. Easier said than done.

:(