Definition

Amnesia is when a person cannot recall new information or past events. It may go away in a short time or be lasting.

Causes

Most memory problems are caused by damage to the brain. It may be due to an accident, an illness like a brain infection, stroke, or certain medicines. Sometimes the cause is not known.

Rarely, an emotional event can cause a problem called dissociative amnesia.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk are:

• Head and brain injuries, such as from a car accident
• Brain damage from problems like:
  • Alcohol or substance use disorders
  • Stroke
  • An illness that affects the brain, such as encephalitis
• Complications from procedures such as:
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
  • Brain surgery
• Dementia or Alzheimer disease
• Some medicines, such as those used as anesthesia
• Certain changes in the body, such as changes in blood glucose levels or a lack of oxygen
• Seizures
• Recent physical or emotional pain or trauma

Areas of the Brain Affected by Dementia

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Symptoms

A person may have:

• Problems recalling new or past information
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• False memories

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. The doctor will ask about your memory loss and when it started. A loved one or family member may answer these questions if the person cannot.

These tests may be done to look for a cause:

• A physical and neurological exam
• Blood tests to look for things like infections
• Images of the brain may be taken to look for damage. This can be done with:
  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • Cerebral angiography
• An EEG to test the brain’s electrical activity

Treatment

Any cause will need to be treated. The problem may go away on its own. A therapist or support group may be needed for those whose amnesia does not go away.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this problem.