Description

Amnesia refers to the loss of memory, which includes data, information and experiences. The film and television tend to portray the amnesia as to forget his identity, but that is not usually the case in real life.

Instead, people with amnesia — also called amnestic syndrome — usually know who they are. But you may have difficulty learning new information and forming new memories.

Amnesia can be caused by damage to areas of the brain that are vital for memory processing. Unlike a temporary episode of memory loss, is called transient global amnesia, amnesia can be permanent.

There is no specific treatment for amnesia, but the treatment can be directed at the underlying cause. Tips to help improve memory, and gain support can help people with amnesia and their families cope.

Symptoms

The two main features of the amnesia are:

  • Problems in the learning of new information.
  • Trouble remembering past events and previously familiar information.

Most people with amnesia have problems with short-term memory, so that you may not retain new information. Recent memories are more likely to be lost. More remote or deep-rooted memories can be saved.

For example, people can recall childhood experiences, or know the names of former presidents. But you may not be able to name the current president, to know the month or remember what you ate for breakfast.

Isolated memory loss does not affect a person's intelligence, general awareness, consciousness or the ability to care. It also does not affect the judgment, personality or identity. People with amnesia usually can understand written and spoken words and can learn skills such as riding a bike or playing the piano. You can understand that they have a memory disorder.

The Amnesia is not the same as dementia. Dementia often includes loss of memory, but it also involves other problems with the thinking that lead to a decrease in daily functioning. These problems include the fact that you have problems with the language, judgment, and visual-spatial skills.

Memory loss is also a common symptom of mild cognitive impairment. This disorder involves the memory and other cognitive problems that are not as severe as those experienced in dementia.

Additional symptoms

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

  • False memories that are completely made-up or real memories out of place in time.
  • Confusion or disorientation.

When to see a doctor

Any person who is experiencing inexplicable memory loss, head injury, or confusion requires immediate medical attention.

People with amnesia may not know where they are, or be able to seek medical attention. If someone you know has symptoms of amnesia, help the person to get medical care.

Causes

Typical of the memory function involves many parts of the brain. Any illness or injury that affects the brain can affect memory.

The Amnesia may be the result of damage to brain structures that form the limbic system, which controls emotions and memories. These include the thalamus is located deep in the center of the brain. Also include the hippocampal formations found in the temporal lobes of the brain.

The Amnesia caused by brain injury or nerve damage known as amnesia. The possible causes of neurological deficit amnesia are:

  • Stroke.
  • Inflammation of the brain, which may be due to an infection with a virus such as herpes simplex virus. Or the inflammation can be the result of an autoimmune reaction that attacks the cancer in any part of the body. It can also be due to an autoimmune reaction in the absence of cancer.
  • There is not enough oxygen in the brain. This may happen as a result of a heart attack, respiratory failure, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Long-term misuse of alcohol leads to very little vitamin B-1, known as thiamine, in the body. When this happens, it is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
  • The tumors in areas of the brain that control memory.
  • Alzheimer's disease and other diseases that involve degeneration of the nervous tissue.
  • Seizures.
  • Certain medicines such as benzodiazepines or others that act as sedatives.

Head injuries that cause a concussion, whether it be a car accident or sports, can lead to confusion and difficulty remembering new information. This is especially common in the early stages of recovery. Mild head injuries do not normally cause the duration of the amnesia, but more severe injuries to the head can cause amnesia permanent.

Another rare type of amnesia, called dissociative amnesia, comes from an emotional shock or trauma. It can be a result of being a victim of violent crime, or experience another kind of trauma. In this disorder, people can lose their memories and personal information about their lives. The loss of memory is short.

Risk factors

The likelihood of developing amnesia may increase if you have experienced:

  • Brain surgery, head injury or trauma.
  • Stroke.
  • The abuse of Alcohol.
  • Seizures.

Complications

Amnesia varies in severity and scope. But even mild amnesia takes a toll on daily activities and quality of life. The syndrome can cause problems at work, in school and in their social environment.

It may not be possible to recover the lost memories. Some people with serious memory problems should be supervised or the need to live in a care center.

Prevention

The damage to the brain may be one of the causes of amnesia. It is important to take measures to minimize the likelihood of a brain injury. For example:

  • Do not drink large amounts of alcohol.
  • Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle and a safety belt when driving.
  • The treatment of infections quickly, so that they do not have the opportunity to spread to the brain.
  • Get medical attention immediately if you have symptoms that suggest a stroke or a brain aneurysm. Symptoms include a severe headache, feeling of numbness in one side of the body or of not being able to move one side of the body.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive evaluation is needed to diagnose amnesia. You can rule out other possible causes of memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, depression, or a brain tumor.

Medical history

The evaluation begins with a detailed medical history. Because the person with memory loss may not be able to provide complete information, a family member, friend or other person usually provides the information.

Your doctor may ask you several questions to help understand the memory loss. The topics that may be addressed include:

  • The type of memory loss, and if it is recent or of long duration.
  • When the memory problems began and how it progressed.
  • The factors that trigger the problems of memory, such as a head injury, stroke, or surgery.
  • The history of the family, particularly of the neurological disease.
  • Use of drugs and alcohol.
  • Other symptoms such as confusion, speech problems, personality changes, or of not being able to perform personal care.
  • A history of seizures, headaches, depression, or cancer.

Physical examination

The physical examination may include a neurological exam to check reflexes, sensory function and balance.

The cognitive tests

The exam generally includes tests related to thought, the trial and the recent and long-term memory. You will be asked about your knowledge of general information — such as the name of the current president, as well as the personal information and the events of the past. You can ask them to repeat a list of words.

The memory assessment can help determine the degree of memory loss, and provide ideas about what kind of help you need.

Diagnostic tests

Your health care provider may also request:

  • Imaging tests — including an mri and ct scan — to check the damage to the brain or changes such as contraction.
  • Blood tests to check for the presence of infection, nutritional deficiencies or other issues.
  • An electroencephalogram (EEG) to test for the presence of seizure activity.

Treatment

The treatment of amnesia focuses on strategies to help compensate for the problem of memory. It is also important to address the diseases that cause amnesia.

Occupational therapy

You can work with an occupational therapist to learn new information and replace what was lost. Or you can use intact as the basis for the decision of the new information.

The training of the memory may also include strategies for organizing information so that it is easier to remember and to a better understanding when you speak to others.

Technological assistance

Many people with amnesia find that it is useful to the intelligent use of technology, such as a smartphone or a tablet. With some training and practice, even people with severe amnesia can use electronic organizers to help with the day-to-day tasks. For example, smart phones can be programmed to remind them about important events or taking any medications.

Low-tech memory aids include notebooks, wall calendars, pill minders, and photographs of people and places.

Medications or supplements

There are No drugs that are currently available for the treatment of most types of amnesia.

If the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is the cause of the amnesia, the treatment can help prevent further damage. But most of the people will not recover all of your lost memory. The treatment includes the replacement of thiamine in the body, providing adequate nutrition and not drinking alcohol.

If Alzheimer's disease is the cause of the amnesia, treatment with medications called cholinesterase inhibitors may help with the symptoms.

The research could one day lead to new treatments for memory disorders. But the complexity of the brain processes involved makes it unlikely that a single drug will be able to solve memory problems.

Coping and support

Living with amnesia can be frustrating for those with memory loss and their family and friends as well. The people with the most severe forms of amnesia may require the direct assistance of family, friends, or professional caregivers.

It can be helpful to talk with other people who understand what is going on. They may be able to offer advice or tips for living with amnesia. Ask your health care provider to recommend a support group in your area for people with amnesia and their loved ones.

If an underlying cause of the amnesia is identified, there are national organizations that can provide additional information and support. Examples include:

  • Association of Alzheimer's disease, 800-272-3900 (toll-free).
  • Brain injury Association of America, 800-444-6443 (toll-free).

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care provider. However, you may be referred to a specialist in disorders of the brain and nervous system, also called a neurologist.

It is a good idea to come to your appointment prepared. Here's some information to help you to be prepared and know what to expect.

What you can do

  • Make a note of any unusual symptoms, such as you enjoy them, including those that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Ask family members or friends to help you ensure the list is complete.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you are taking.
  • Ask a family member or friend to come with you. Even in the best of circumstances, it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. A friend or family member can help you remember everything that was said.
  • Carry a notepad and a pen or pencil to jot down the points that you want to be sure to remember later.
  • Write questions to ask their health care provider.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your provider, as well as ensure that you cover everything you want to ask. For the amnesia, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • There are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
  • My memory never to return?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • What do I need to restrict the activities?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take home? What sites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions you have prepared, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment if you do not understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, including:

  • When did you first notice your memory loss?
  • Did you experience any of the symptoms at that time?
  • Were you involved in any kind of trauma? For example, a car accident, the violent collision in the sport or in a assault?
  • I made a disease or other event seem to trigger memory loss?
  • Is there something that helps to improve your memory?
  • What, in any case, it seems that the memory loss worse?
  • What are the problems of memory come and go or are they constant?
  • Has the loss of memory was the same, or getting worse?
  • Does the memory loss appear suddenly or gradually?
Symptoms and treatment of Amnesia