Transient Global Amnesia

Transient global amnesia is the sudden onset of short term memory loss that usually lasts less than 24 hours. The individual has difficulty remembering recent events and cannot learn new information during the time of the attack. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting or headache may also be present. The individual can recall his identity while maintaining appropriate manual skills such as driving as well as other social skills including language and judgment. It typically occurs in someone between the ages of 50 and 80 who is otherwise neurologically healthy and does not have a history of epilepsy or stroke.

Causes

The exact cause of transient global amnesia is not known. Theories include a �"mini-stroke�" affecting those parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and storage or possibly a migraine of the basilar artery of the brain causing changes in blood flow to those areas associated with memory. Severe hypoglycemia

Transient global amnesia can follow periods of extreme emotional stress or physical exertion such as occurs during sexual activity or strenuous exercise. It can also occur following bouts of pain, cold water immersion or straining.

Evaluation

Evaluation should rule out the possibility of stroke, seizures, head injury or tumor. As part of the evaluation, testing may include blood work, imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, and an EKG. If all these tests are negative, the diagnosis of transient global amnesia should be considered. The symptoms should resolve in 24 hours with no residual adverse effects.

Treatment

Because there are no adverse long term effects, there is no specific treatment for transient global amnesia. A follow-up evaluation with a neurologist is usually advised as is avoiding those strenuous activities that might precipitate another event. It is important to reassure the patient who is experiencing an attack of transient global amnesia as this can be quite frightening. Fortunately, the risk of recurrence is fairly low.