Amnesia

Alternative Names

Amnesia, Anterograde amnesia, Retrograde amnesia

What is Amnesia

When people lose their ability to memorize everything they have or have done, they have amnesia. Amnesia also refers to an inability to recall information that is stored in memory. In simple terms, amnesia is the loss of memory. Memory in this context refers either to stored memories or to the process of committing something to memory. The causes of amnesia have traditionally been divided into the "organic" or the"functional".

Generally amnesia really means loss of certain memories, rather than a general loss of the ability to remember anything — something that is much rarer. The process of memory is complex and not fully understood. It seems that different areas of the brain are involved in different types of memory — which is really an information storage system rather like a filing cabinet or computer.

People with amnesia can’t imagine the future, because our constructions of future scenarios are closely linked to our recollections of past experiences.

Signs and symptoms

There are two main features of amnesia:

• Impaired ability to learn new information following the onset of amnesia (anterograde amnesia)
• Impaired ability to recall past events and previously familiar information (retrograde amnesia)

Depending on the cause of the amnesia, other signs and symptoms may include:

• False recollections (confabulation), either completely invented or made up of genuine memories misplaced in time
• Neurological problems such as uncoordinated movements, tremors or seizures
• Confusion or disorientation

Possible complications

Transient global amnesia has no direct complications, but it can cause emotional distress. If you have an episode, the gap in your memory can be unsettling, and you're likely to worry about a recurrence. Also, a symptom as dramatic as memory loss often heralds a serious underlying disease. Transient global amnesia is an exception, but it can be hard to let go of the fear that you have a tumor or had a stroke.

If you need reassurance, ask your doctor to go over the results of your neurological exam and diagnostic tests with you. A counselor or psychotherapist can help you deal with persistent anxiety. Importantly, transient global amnesia is not a risk factor for stroke.

What causes

The underlying cause of transient global amnesia is unknown. There appears to be a link between transient global amnesia and a history of migraines, though the underlying factors that contribute to both conditions aren't fully understood.

Some commonly reported events that may trigger transient global amnesia include:

• Sudden immersion in cold or hot water
• Strenuous physical activity
• Sexual intercourse
• Medical procedures, such as angiography or endoscopy
• Mild head trauma
• Acute emotional distress, as might be provoked by bad news, conflict or overwork

Prevention

If amnesia can be prevented, a lot of people would probably try to do so. However, amnesia is often brought about by traumatic events like accidents and head injuries. This means that one way to avoid amnesia is to avoid getting head injuries or hitting your head.

For preventing amnesia, brain injuries should be prevented or reduced. Preventive measures include wearing seat belts and avoiding consumption of alcohol or drugs while driving vehicles. Patients suffering from neurological disorders should be given proper medical treatments as brain trauma is the main cause of amnesia. Sufficient rest and avoiding getting disappointed due to small issues should be prevented as person experiencing this are at risk of amnesia.

Treatment

Treatment of amnesia depends on its cause. However, all amnesiacs need to undergo cognitive rehabilitation to deal with memory impairment. Hospitalization is usually not required.

• Alzheimer’s disease/ Dementia- related amnesia will benefit from appropriate medication and tender care
• Due to trauma - a person who has developed amnesia due to trauma is likely to benefit from sedation, psychotherapy, medications that include Amytal (sodium amobarbital) and, lots of affection.
• Alcoholism / malnutrition - related amnesia can be addressed by abstinence in the case of former and proper nutrition in the event of the latter.
• Concussion –related amnesia needs medication and rest.
• Transient Global Amnesia (TGA)can be managed by avoiding the triggering activity. Some doctors recommend the use of aspirin to increase blood flow. This is based on some claims that a reduced blood flow causes memory loss.

Prevention of amnesia is not possible in all the cases; however, amnesia caused by a brain injury can be minimized by wearing a helmet, using automobile seat belts, and avoiding drunken driving. In case of brain infections, strokes, brain aneurysms, or transient ischemic attacks the patient must be given immediate medical attention.