Blackout Checklists
Checklist: Questions your or child may be asked
There are several questions you should be ready to answer. In each case you should record as many details as possible and have these with you ready for the appointment:
- Did something trigger your attack? (e.g. a bump, injury, not eating, alcohol, lack of sleep, stressful situation etc.)
- Do you have a clear description of the episode from a witness from trigger to complete recovery?
- Do you remember everything that happens during your attack? How long were you unconscious?
- Were you confused or disoriented after episode? If so how long did the confusion last?
- Is there a history of loss of consciousness in your family? If there is, who/what?
- How frequent are your attacks? Daily, weekly, monthly, less frequent?
- Have there been any reported sudden deaths in your family under age of 55? Is the cause known?
- Are your blackouts affecting your daily activities or quality of life? How?
- Do you definitely lose consciousness or do you collapse while remaining conscious?
- If your limbs move while you’re unconscious, do they jerk about randomly, or rhythmically? Do your arms move around above your head?
- Do you know if your eyes are open or closed. If open, how do your eyes move?
- Do you have any warning that something is about to happen?
- Did you have early symptoms and signs like lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, looking pale?
You should also be prepared to ask questions about how the process of confirming a diagnosis or treatment might affect you:
- Will you be able to attend school or work. Will you be able to carry on sporting activities or driving? Will there be any restrictions?
- What might treatment involve? Will you have to visit the hospital frequently or stay over night?
- What is the likelihood that a diagnostic test will deliver a definitive result?
- What is the likelihood that a treatment will solve the problem?
- After receiving treatment how soon will you be able to return to a normal life? School? Driving? Working?
