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blackout
(redirected from Black-Out)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Financial, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
blackout /black·out/ (-out) loss of vision and momentary lapse of consciousness due to diminished circulation to the brain and retina.
alcoholic blackout  anterograde amnesia experienced by alcoholics during episodes of drinking, even when not fully intoxicated; indicative of early, reversible brain damage.

black·out (blkout)
n.
1. Temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
2. Temporary loss of memory.

blackout
Usage notes: informal.
a temporary loss of vision or consciousness.

Blackout
A sign of early chronic alcohol or other substance abuse, characterised as an episode of total amnesia lasting from hours to days after a period of intense drinking or alcohol binge; blackouts may be due to alterations in central serotoninergic neurotransmission, as these patients have decreased plasma levels of tryptophan

blackout [blak´owt″]
temporary loss of vision and momentary unconsciousness due to diminished circulation to the brain and retina. Blackout refers specifically to a condition which sometimes occurs in aviators resulting from increased acceleration, which causes a decrease in blood supply to the brain cells. The term can also refer to other forms of temporary loss of consciousness and to fainting, as well as to temporary loss of memory and to certain forms of vertigo.
alcoholic blackout anterograde amnesia experienced by alcoholics during episodes of drinking, even when not fully intoxicated; it is indicative of early but still reversible brain damage.

blackout,
n the brief impairment of short- and long-term memory occurring during episodes of excessive alcohol consumption or of other substance abuse; consciousness is retained.

blackout 
Synonym for amaurosis fugax. It also includes the temporary loss of vision and consciousness occurring in unprotected pilots, due to a reduction of blood supply to the eye and brain at high acceleration. See amaurosis fugax.

blackout
Neurology A sign of early chronic alcohol or other substance abuse, characterized as an episode of total amnesia lasting from hrs to days after a period of intense drinking or alcohol binge; blackouts may be due to alterations in central serotoninergic neurotransmission, as these Pts have ↓ plasma levels of tryptophan

Patient discussion about blackout.

Q. Does anyone have information on Bipolar "blackouts" or know what they're really called? My boyfriend is bipolar and experienced a blackout a few weeks ago during which he did something completely out of character. A crime was committed and he has since been arrested. He's having trouble coping as he has no memory of the crime. He was on Wellbuterin and a doctor prescribed steroids and vicodin for a crushed disc. The chemicals may have led him into this blackout. He is a wonderful loving person and is now facing a life sentence for this terrible thing that happened that he had no conscious control over. They will not continue his medications in jail and he is not receiving mental or medical treatment. Is there anyone out there that can help me find some answers?

A. AKToad I am so sorry to hear about this situation you and your partner are facing. I havent heard about blackouts as a result of bipolar disorder, however perhaps this situation happened due to the different types of medications he was on. Was he drinking or taking any illegal drugs during the time that this situation happened? Drinking or drug use while on medications can lead to blackouts. I would suggest now getting him a good lawyer and seek a mental health defence. All of us are essentially responsible for our actions well or not so unfortunately he is going to have to fight for his freedom and he is going to have to work with mental health specialists to come up with effective treatments that can convince the legal community and the public that he is safe to be a member of society again. I wish you both luck and i hope everything works out.

Q. What does depression cause? and how can i get out of the black hole i got my self into ...?

A. What does it cause: a loss of interest in things that were previously routine, withdrawal for social situations, withdrawal from friends and family, avoiding confrontations, avoiding stressful situations, diffuculty making decisions, feelings of deep despair and sadness, unhealthy guilt. The list does not end there.

How do I get out of this hole: See your medical doctor for evaluation and followup routinely. Take your medication on time everyday. Be patient with yourself. Try to let go of unneccessary guilt, or resentments and anger from past experiences. Forgive others who may have hurt you. Forgive them from your heart. Try to make amends to others you may have hurt. Take time in your day to reflect on things and try to resolve to do better. Don't give up. If you fall down, get back up and go at it again. A good nights sleep is very beneficial. So is exercise or physical activity. Walking is very good.

Read more or ask a question about blackout


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The report, for the Department of Public Enterprise, also predicted that many areas face the risk of black-outs because of the poor state of the national grid.
The utility can avert rolling black-outs and defer building new power plants.
 
 
 
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