Definition

Temporary amnesia, also known as transient global amnesia, is an episode of sudden memory loss and confusion. This type of amnesia typically lasts for only a few hours, but in rare cases, it can persist for up to 24 hours.

During a transient amnesia episode, individuals are unable to form new memories, causing memories of recent events to disappear. Additionally, they struggle to recall recent memories. For example, one might not remember their current location or how they arrived there. They may also fail to recall ongoing events.

This condition most commonly affects middle-aged or elderly individuals, typically within the age range of 50 to 70 years. Transient amnesia occurs in about 3 to 10 individuals out of 100,000. During this temporary amnesia episode, individuals can remember their identity and recognize those who know them. As recovery progresses, patients often begin to recall some events. Although transient amnesia is not usually serious, it should still be managed appropriately.

Read more: Amnesia - Definition, Causes and Risk Factors.

Causes

The exact cause of transient amnesia remains unknown. However, several studies suggest that it occurs due to blood vessel blockages in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow (ischemia) or oxygen flow (hypoxia) to the brain. In some cases, transient amnesia may be associated with electrical activity in the brain.

Several theories propose potential triggers or causes of transient amnesia, including:

• Emotional or psychological stress.
• Sudden immersion in cold or hot water.
• Sexual activity.
• Strenuous physical activity.
• Performing the Valsalva maneuver, a breathing technique involving closing the mouth and pinching the nose while in a half-squat position, often used in medical examinations or to slow a rapid heart rate.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines.

Risk Factor

Researchers have not identified clear risk factors that make individuals more vulnerable to transient amnesia. However, several conditions are commonly found in patients experiencing transient amnesia, including:

• Coronary heart disease.
• Hyperlipidemia or elevated blood lipid levels.
• Migraines or one-sided headaches.
• Psychological factors such as anxiety.
• Age over 50 years.

Surprisingly, many studies have concluded that factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of ischemic stroke (caused by reduced blood flow to the brain) are not risk factors for transient amnesia. Gender also does not influence the incidence of transient amnesia.

Symptoms

Transient amnesia causes a sudden inability to form new memories in conscious individuals. Some may also be unable to recall memories from several hours, days, or some time in the past.

Patients experiencing a transient amnesia episode appear confused and disoriented. They can recognize themselves, family members, and friends. They understand language and interact with others. Their ability to perform simple daily activities such as driving and cooking remains unaffected by transient amnesia.

Generally, they do not remember how they ended up in their current location or what they were doing before the amnesia episode. They may repeatedly ask about the time. Additionally, no signs of nerve damage such as limb weakness, seizures, or cognitive impairment/thinking decline are found.

Other symptoms that may accompany transient amnesia include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Anxiety.
• Confusion.
• Tingling sensation in the limbs.

In most cases, transient amnesia episodes last for 1 to 10 hours (average 6 hours). In rare cases, amnesia can persist for up to 24 hours. If a patient experiences memory or recall problems lasting more than 1 day, it is not classified as transient amnesia and is likely related to another cause.

Diagnosis

To examine a patient's condition, the doctor will first inquire about:

• Main complaints and accompanying symptoms.
• Duration and frequency of the complaints.
• Activities preceding the episode.
• Past medical history.
• Specific medications taken.
• Daily activities.
• Family medical history.

Next, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, starting with assessing the patient's general condition, such as blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse. Additionally, neurological examinations are performed, including:

• Asking questions to recall recent events.
• Cognitive assessment to ensure the patient's cognitive function and reasoning are not impaired.
• Examination of facial nerves.
• Assessment of motor and sensory functions.
• Balance examination if necessary.

Additional diagnostic tests are also performed to determine if there is any nerve or brain damage. The doctor may recommend several diagnostic tests, including:

• Blood laboratory tests if there are suspicions of other diseases.
• CT scans and MRIs to examine detailed brain structure abnormalities.
• EEG (electroencephalography) to detect disturbances in brain electrical waves.

Management

If a patient is definitively diagnosed with transient amnesia, typically no specific therapy is administered because the patient's condition will improve on its own. The treatment provided is generally supportive to address the patient's symptoms at the time. Patients are observed in the hospital until their memory disturbance improves.

However, if after medical examination the doctor identifies other conditions accompanying transient amnesia, they will prescribe treatment accordingly.

Complications

Complications from transient amnesia rarely occur. Although relapses may occur, they are infrequent. Typically, when a patient experiences transient amnesia, they can return to normal activities after the memory disturbance resolves.

Prevention

Transient amnesia can be prevented by avoiding triggers that can cause it to occur. Avoidable factors include:

• Emotional stress.
• Physical exhaustion.
• Sexual activity that does not provide a pleasant feeling.
• Sudden exposure to hot or cold water.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, and benzodiazepine or barbiturate drugs without a doctor's prescription.

Additionally, always maintain brain health from a young age by engaging in activities that stimulate brain function, such as leading a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition including DHA, protein, and dietary fiber intake through consuming a nutritious diet, increasing intake of fresh fish, milk, vegetables, and fruits, and exercising regularly for 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes each session.

When to see a doctor?

It is advisable to see a doctor if a family member experiences sudden confusion and inability to recall recent events, regardless of whether there is a history of head injury. You can visit a neurology specialist for further consultation regarding this condition.

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