Blackout episodes in a 26 years old man with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Dear Ask The Doctor: I suffer from ankylosing spondylitis. I am 26 years old and experienced a strange blackout while at work the other day. I was feeling awake and alert, and the next moment my coworker was standing there asking if I was okay. I feel somewhat disconnected and like a weight is on my chest. I noticed that my heart pounds intermittently whether at rest or on the go. I noticed that I seem to have more energy lately, but feel somewhat disconnected. Is this a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? If not, what should I talk to my doctor about or ask about when I see him? I have had MRIs and other scans which showed the evidence of my spondylitis, but nothing more.

Dear James: It is not likely that the blackout episodes are related to the Ankylosisn Spondylitis. Blackouts are periods of unconsciousness or memory loss. Generally, a blackout is described as a period of unconsciousness or lack of awareness when you are unable to recall what happened or what you did. Blackouts may occur as a result of brain damage, drug side effects, or disorders affecting brain function, such as epilepsy. The potential complications of blackouts depend on the underlying cause. Because blackouts can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.