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Q:	I am 17 years old and have had two blackouts in the past three months. They do not last long. Tests and CT scans come back normal. What else should be done to find out what is causing this?
A:	“Blackouts” can be caused by many conditions. Your doctor will want to know what happens during the blackouts. Do you become dizzy, begin sweating, lose consciousness or “pass out?” Are there headaches, changes in your vision, or unusual sensitivity to light and sound? Do you feel a sensation of rapid heartbeat, skipped beats, chest pain, shortness of breath, or tingling and numbness in your hands? Are the episodes associated with alcohol or drug use? Do these blackouts occur when you are stressed? Answers to these and other questions will determine what further studies, if any, should be done. Posted 5-6-03 Do you have a question? As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Please read our full .