Transient global amnesia is a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that can't be attributed to a more common neurological condition, such as epilepsy or stroke. During an episode of transient global amnesia, your brain refuses to make new memories so recall of recent actions and events simply vanishes. You suddenly can't remember where you are or how you got there.
Imagine leaving your home in a rush to catch a bus and coming to yourself in a hospital emergency room 7 hours later with no recall of how you got there or why you were brought there by ambulance. That’s what happened to Ms. D.West.
The last memory she recalls was breaking into a run for a bus that was about to pass her by. A concerned neighbor who did not personally know her but had seen Ms. W. coming and going from the condo building on the corner, discovered her wandering the street asking strangers how she got there and inquiring whose clothes she was wearing.
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The neighbor gently convinced her to walk back to the building so that she could ask someone to get help. The building security guard was stunned to see the same woman who had just waved at him as she was leaving not more than 10 minutes earlier yet had no recollection of where she was or who he was. They called an ambulance immediately. It happens that fast!
A high-profile person discussed his recent bout with Transient Global Amnesia. Jeff Probst is best known as the Emmy Award-winning host of the U.S. version of the reality television show, Survivor. While attempting to book reservations by phone one morning, first Probst couldn’t remember his wife’s date of birth then he couldn’t remember how to call her. He could remember how to text so he sent her a message asking her to call him. When she called, Probst told his wife that suddenly he didn't know what was happening and that he didn't know "anything."
He even had to ask his wife where she and their kids were because he could not remember. Over the next few hours, Probst had zero recollection of anything that was happening to him. I had no idea who I was or where I was, Probst later said he even wrote a note on his laptop that said, 'For our records, I have no idea why I'm wearing these clothes. I have no idea where our kids are. I have no idea what day it is. I have no idea why I'm writing this.'" Later on, Probst confessed he had no memory of writing it.
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Like others stricken with TGA, Probst had to see a neurosurgeon who figured out that for three hours of "absolutely no memory" he had transient global amnesia, a sudden episode of temporary memory loss.
Also, like countless others, Probst said that he thought it could possibly be early dementia and was somewhat relieved to get the rare TGA diagnosis.
How common is transient global amnesia (TGA)?
Transient global amnesia (TGA) occurs in approximately 3 to 10 people out of every 100,000. Neurologists, however, are reporting they are seeing more and more patients that are brought in with lost memory and unaccounted for time that is finally diagnosed as Transient Global Amnesia.
For some people, TGA may occur as a result of certain triggers or events, including:
- Physical exertion
- Emotional or psychological stress
- Sudden immersion in cold or hot water
- Head trauma
- Pain
- Sexual intercourse
- Performing the Valsalva maneuver. This is a breathing technique purposely performed by a person as part of a medical test or to slow a rapid heart rate and other uses. It is performed by closing your mouth and pinching your nose and bearing down as if having a bowel movement.
What are the symptoms of transient global amnesia (TGA)?
Transient global amnesia (TGA) involves a sudden inability to form new memories. Some people also can’t recall memories from hours, days, or longer in the past. People experiencing a TGA episode may appear disoriented and confused. They know who they are and know their family members.
A classic symptom is constantly repeating the same questions over and over. Ironically enough, other complex mental tasks, such as the ability to drive a car or cook, are not affected. The average age of the first TGA experience is 50 but neurologists have been reporting a number of younger patients in recent years.
Other symptoms that can occur with TGA include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Tingling in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
In most cases, TGA episodes last 1 to 10 hours (6 hours is average). In rare cases, symptoms may persist for up to 24 hours.
Memory problems that develop gradually or last for more than a day are not part of TGA and are likely related to other causes.
The Good News
As terrifying as it is to experience a TGA episode, it is a relief for many to find that is not a harbinger of stroke, dementia, or future mental issues and is very unlikely to reoccur. Most cases persist for 6-12 hours and it generally resolves itself within 24 hours. 15% of individuals who have had it may experience a second occurrence. Naturally, it is a very frightening experience that some may require help coping with afterward.
It is becoming so prevalent, however, there are even several private TGI support group pages on Facebook.
Although awareness of Transient Global Amnesia will not prevent you from getting it, it does give you insight into what may be going on with a relative or loved one who suddenly seems confused and forgetful. Unfortunately, TGA can sometimes be confused with being inebriated or high on drugs. The more people understand this strange little malady, the better for everyone.
