Memory Problems

Causes

Most amnesia 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 of amnesia 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

Symptoms of amnesia may be::

• Problems remembering new or past information
• Confusion
• False memories

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will ask about the memory loss and when it started. A person with amnesia may not be able to answer these question. If not, a loved one or family member may answer for them.

To look for a cause, tests may be done such as:

• A 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 of the amnesia 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 amnesia.