Blackout panic attacks in my sister. Is forgetting normal?

@gidkip Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Your sister is experiencing extreme anxiety and memory loss and you are concerned. Members like @artscaping @abopp2022 @bibinance @anxiety227 @firewolfpup17 @buyearly @flamecharley @jenniferhunter have experience discussing a similar topic and may be of help.

Below I have linked a couple of related discussions. You may wish to scroll through the posts to get previous suggestions and information.
- Increased forgetfulness and Memory issues/ Mental health or other? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/increased-forgetfulness-and-memory-issues-mental-health-or-other/
- I cant remember my panic attacks https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-cant-remember-my-panic-attacks/

I'm wondering if you can give us more information? How old is your sister? Has her thought patterns and behaviors changed otherwise?

It's impossible to know if anxiety is causing your sister's symptoms or if your sister is feeling anxious because she feels a change in her mental status due to an organic brain issue/mental health episode. As I mentioned, your sister is experiencing a change in mental status and it's important that your sister seeks medical attention as soon as possible to rule out any serious organic or mental health diagnosis. May I ask why she has done so already?

She is 11 years old and we have not sought any medical attention because both panic attacks were about one month apart. And we are also out of town. I am also thinking a possible trigger may have been a family party that we were at because there was alot of people.

You’re parents need to address this immediately.

Thank you for taking such a pro-active stance in seeking help for your sister. It is obvious that she is suffering and if you do something now perhaps you can save her from having an entire life of dreadful panic attacks. When she goes through life she will have many more stressful situations and she needs help to know how to cope if her mind and her body react this way to stress. I've never had memory problems associated with my panic attacks so that does make me think something else may be going on with her and there is no way to know unless she is evaluated for her symptoms. You know that you can come back to this forum anytime. Please come back with an update on your situation. God bless

@gidkip It's obvious that you want to do what is best for your sister and you are reaching out for that reason. I agree with the other members. She needs to be seen immediately. Is this something your parents are ready and able to do?

Thank you everyone for the help we will seek medical attention asap and I will keep you guys updated.

My life involves panic attack blackouts. I had never heard of until 2023 . At one time what happens was thought to be TIAs. Nope. Maybe epilepsy. Nope. Last episode I was not in control of my brain.This most recent episode I lost my ability to talk. Blood pressure up, short of breath, so confused! Laid in hospital 6 hours, came up with nothing. Psychiatrist look at the results and called the mess panic attack Blake outs. My birthday is soon , my anxiety level high.. So anxious about Wes calling, Corina will call. The holes remain. Th Wes music at church was so loud it tweaked something in my head into a seizure. Sitting in church to become so internally anxious,, I feel myself slipping.

@floralou
Regarding the music in the church, there is a rare type of epilepsy called musicogenic epilepsy. I have a friend in the UK who one day was playing his banjo and all of a sudden he had a tonic clinic seizure. There is a particular note that triggers a seizure when he plays his banjo. How was your memory after this episode? Do you remember? Any other details you can tell us about the episode?
Take care,
Jake

@floralou
It sounds like you may benefit from seeing a neurologist for evaluation and testing. You may need an MRI of your head and bloodwork to check if there is anything affecting your central nervous system that needs treatment. Panic attacks can be very scary for you and those around you who don’t know how to help.

I have had panic attacks that cause hyperventilation and feelings of passing out. I was prescribed Zoloft/sertraline and this helped. I do think hormones and changes in hormones can trigger panic attacks in some. Mine were worse through puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause/menopause.

Here is what AI summarizes about this:

“😟 Panic Attacks and Blackouts: Testing and Treatment

Panic attacks and blackouts can be distressing experiences, and understanding their causes is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
🔍 Testing and Diagnosis

Medical History: A healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, including:
Frequency and duration of panic attacks and blackouts.
Any triggers or patterns noticed.
Associated symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations, dizziness, confusion).
Family history of anxiety disorders or other medical conditions.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam can help rule out any underlying medical issues that may contribute to symptoms.
Diagnostic Tests:
Blood Tests: To check for thyroid function, electrolyte imbalances, or other metabolic issues.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): To assess heart health and rule out cardiac causes of symptoms.
Holter Monitor: A portable ECG monitor worn for 24-48 hours to detect irregular heart rhythms.
Neurological Evaluation: If blackouts are frequent, a neurologist may conduct tests such as an EEG to assess brain activity.
Psychological Assessment: A mental health professional may conduct interviews or questionnaires to evaluate anxiety levels, panic disorder, or other psychological conditions.
💊 Treatment Options

Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a common and effective treatment for panic attacks, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations can help reduce anxiety and panic symptoms.
Medications:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed for panic disorder.
Benzodiazepines: These may be used for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms but are generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.
Beta-Blockers: These can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce anxiety levels.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet can support overall mental health.
Education and Support: Understanding panic attacks and their triggers can empower individuals to manage their symptoms better. Support groups can also provide a sense of community and shared experiences.
🏥 When to Seek Help

If panic attacks or blackouts are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.”

I just. saw my 3rd Neouro. Tests. One being admitted to hospital for a week and having circumstances change to cause an episode. NO!