About STARS Rapid-Access T-LoC Clinic Resources

STARS – The Charity for People who Suffer T-LoCs

Many unexplained blackouts/T-LoCs are caused by syncope - pronounced sin-co-pee. Syncope is a loss of consciousness caused by an interruption in blood supply to the brain.

Syncope in its various forms is not well understood by many in the medical profession, let alone by those of us not medically trained. Because of this, Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures (STARS) works together with individuals, families and medical professionals to offer support and information.

Syncope can appear as faints, ‘funny turns’, seizures, blackouts/T-LoCs, falls and convulsions so some episodes look very similar to epileptic fits. Aside from injuries that people sustain if they fall over, syncope is often accompanied by loss of bladder control, temporary confusion and a ‘hang over’ which can last many hours.

So, whilst recovery from the blackout/T-LoC is usually within minutes, the anxiety over never knowing when and where an attack might happen can have a profound effect not only on every day life, but also on well being and mental health.

STARS took its name from Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures. Originally known as the Reflex Anoxic Seizure (RAS) Information & Support Group, it was founded in 1993 after Trudie Lobban’s daughter, Francesca, was diagnosed as having RAS under the care of Prof. J Stephenson in Glasgow.

To contact STARS please call 01789 867 503, email info@stars.org.uk, or visit our contact us page for more information. You can also follow the links below for further information on:

• STARS and its aims
• Syncope
• The Blackouts/T-LoC Checklist (useful if you have had a blackout/T-LoC and are seeking a diagnosis)
• Patrons of STARS, including Sir Roger Moore, Twiggy and Sir Elton John

Articles in the Press

16 February 2016 What Every Pediatrician Should Know in 2016 - Read the full article

4 February 2016 Vasovagal Syncope and Driving - Read the full article

28 January 2016 Driving and Vasovagal Syncope? Serious Accidents, Harm Rare - Read the full article here

14 January 2016 Syncope - improving approaches to diagnosis and treatment - Read the full article here

HRS Consensus on POTS - Read the full article here