What is it about ?
Transient amnesia is a mild episode of memory loss, which lasts no more than 24 hours and goes away on its own. The person is temporarily unable to remember the events of the past few days or record new information, while remaining able to function normally for the rest and being fully aware.
The mechanism underlying this amnesia is currently not known. A circulation problem in certain areas of the brain, the influence of emotional stress and certain personality traits are considered. Transient amnesia is more common in sensitive people. To date, there is no convincing evidence to support either cause.
Where do we meet her?
THE’amnesia transient mainly affects middle-aged women (60 years on average).
How to recognize it?
It’s about a amnesia isolated transient. Usually the person repeats the same questions over and over again. It is important that there are no other signs of damage to the nerves, such as loss of strength, confusion or an altered state of consciousness. Other forms of memory, such as identity and orientation in time and space, must also be normal.
After a maximum of 24 hours, the person can record the information as normal again, but does not remember anything about what happened on the day of the complaints.
How is the diagnosis made?
a neurological examination thorough will be carried out. If it does not reveal any abnormalities, the doctor will consider a memory problem acute and isolated. In the slightest doubt or in the presence of other neurological symptoms, technical examinations will be necessary, such as an EEG and a CT scan and / or an MRI.
What can you do ?
Try to stay calm in the face of this strange phenomenon. Check that there is no loss of strength, bizarre speech or confusion. Then consult the doctor.
What can your doctor do?
The doctor systematically directs people with this clinical picture to the emergency department, for a brief observation until the disappearance of the symptoms. memory impairment. This condition does not need to be treated and usually only occurs once. Therefore, follow-up is not necessary. In the presence of repeated episodes, the doctor will always schedule additional examinations.
Sources
Foreign clinical practice guide ‘Transient global amnesia (TGA)’ (2013), updated on 08/28/2017 and adapted to the Belgian context on 12/21/2019 –www.ebpnet.be