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What causes blackouts in women with migraines at 23?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 23-year-old niece was diagnosed with migraines. Sometimes she experiences blackouts in the mornings. What could be the reason?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Vandana Andrews

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your niece is 23 and has been diagnosed with migraine, but the blackouts she is having in the morning are not typical for migraine. These episodes need to be checked carefully, because they could be a sign of something else going on.

Some possible causes include:

  1. Low blood pressure when she stands up too quickly.
  2. Seizures, especially if she becomes unaware or confused.
  3. Heart rhythm problems can cause sudden fainting.
  4. Low blood sugar in the mornings, especially if she skips meals.
  5. A rare migraine type called brainstem migraine may cause fainting or blackouts.

These blackouts should not be ignored. I recommend she see a neurologist or general physician soon. They may advise tests like:

  1. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain.
  2. EEG (electroencephalogram) to check brain activity.
  3. ECG (electrocardiogram) or 24-hour heart monitor.
  4. Blood tests to check sugar, hemoglobin, and more.

Until she is checked:

  1. Make sure she gets up slowly from bed.
  2. Eats on time, especially in the morning.
  3. Drink enough water.
  4. Avoids stress and late nights.

Please keep a note of when the blackouts happen, how long they last, and any other symptoms like dizziness, shaking, or confusion. This will help the doctor find the cause faster.

Again, this may not be serious, but it must be properly checked.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 31, 2025
Reviewed At August 31, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vandana Andrews is a dedicated General Practitioner and Family Physician specializing in General Medicine. She has expertise in managing acute and chronic illnesses, preventive healthcare, and patient education. Skilled in treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory infections, Dr. Andrews is known for her compassionate, patient-focused care. She is committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical services to individuals and families across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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