Blackout Checklists
Checklist: Hospital Appointment
Specialists use tests to decide whether or not you might have syncope. Being prepared for these can significantly reduce the anxiety of a hospital visit. Try to learn about these in advance at www.stars-us.org:
- Take a list of all medication prescribed and non-prescribed that you are taking.
- 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rhythm analysis.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) for brain activity analysis.
- Tilt Table Testing to induce a Syncopal/fainting attack while connected to heart and blood pressure monitors.
- Heart monitor to record heart rhythms while away from the hospital or to activate during an episode.
- An insertable loop recorder which can monitor heart rhythms for months at a time, if the episodes are infrequent.
A 24-hour heart rate monitor is very unlikely to identify any problems if you experience blackouts once a week or less, so do not be afraid to ask about other options.
