What do you know about transient complete amnesia?

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Transient global amnesia is a symptom of sudden, temporary memory loss without neurological damage such as a seizure or stroke. During a transient amnesia, the person may recall simple recent events but cannot remember where you were or how you got there. This condition usually affects people who are middle-aged and older.

1. Symptoms of transient amnesia


Transient amnesia is defined by its main symptom: the inability to form new memories but can recall the recent past. Once that symptom is confirmed, it is also important to rule out other causes of dementia.
Signs and symptoms to diagnose transient amnesia include:
Sudden loss of memory and must be witnessed and confirmed by someone else such as a loved one or caregiver Remains personal patients despite memory loss Normal cognition, such as the ability to recognize and name loved ones or acquaintances and follow simple directions No signs of damage to a specific area of ​​the brain, such as limb paralysis, involuntary movement, or difficulty communicating Additional symptoms that may help diagnose a transient amnesia:
Duration of transient amnesia not more than 24 hours and usually shorter Gradually recalls memories No recent head trauma No signs of seizures during dementia No history of seizures Along with these signs and symptoms, a common feature of A transient amnesia consists of repeated questions from the patient, often the same question as: "What am I doing?" in here?" or "How did we get here?"
When to see a doctor
Family members need to take the patient to a medical facility immediately when they notice that the patient's normal perception turns to signs of confusion about what has just happened. If the person with dementia is too confused to call an ambulance, call yourself.
While a transient amnesia isn't harmful, there's no easy way to distinguish the condition from other life-threatening illnesses that can also cause sudden memory loss.

2. Cause


Currently, doctors have not found a specific cause of transient amnesia. However, transient amnesia may be related to a history of migraine, although the underlying factors contributing to both diseases are not fully understood. Another cause can be a blockage in a vein or an abnormality in the flow of blood.
Several reports have pointed to factors that can trigger transient amnesia, including:
Soaking in cold or hot water Excessive physical activity Sex Medical techniques, such as angiography or endoscopy Minor head trauma After a psychological shock such as bad news, conflict, or overwork

3. Risk factors


Age. People 50 years of age and older have a higher risk of transient dementia than younger people. History of migraine headaches. If you have migraines, your risk of having a transient amnesia is significantly higher than that of someone without migraines.

4. Complications


Transient dementia has no direct complications and is not a risk factor for stroke or epilepsy. But, temporary memory loss can cause painful emotions for the patient, so if you need reassurance, go to a medical facility to be examined and tested by a doctor to find out the medical situation.

Đột quỵ là biến chứng nguy hiểm do chứng mất trí gây ra
Đột quỵ là biến chứng nguy hiểm do chứng mất trí gây ra

5. Prevention


Because the cause of the transient amnesia is unknown and the recurrence rate is low, there is no real way to prevent it.

6. Diagnosis


Diagnosis of transient amnesia is based on excluding more serious conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, or head trauma that can cause similar dementia.
Physical exam
The doctor will examine nerves, check reflexes, muscle tone, muscle strength, sensory function, gait, posture, coordination and balance. The doctor may also ask questions to test your thinking, judgment, and memory.
Brain tests and imaging
The next step is to perform testing techniques to look for abnormalities in brain electrical activity and blood flow in the brain. Your doctor may order one or a combination of these techniques:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computed tomography (CT) Electroencephalogram (EEG)

7. Treatment


Duy trì chế độ ăn uống lành mạnh giúp giảm chứng mất trí nhớ
Duy trì chế độ ăn uống lành mạnh giúp giảm chứng mất trí nhớ

Patients with transient amnesia do not need treatment because the disease will resolve on its own and do not last long.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.


References source: mayoclinic.org, webmd.com
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