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Transient global amnesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2013

P Boovalingam  and
N Shah
P Boovalingam
Affiliation:
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
N Shah*
Affiliation:
Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Nainal Shah, Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK. Email: [email protected]
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Summary

Transient global amnesia (TGA) has been described since the 19th century. It is characterized by an episode of anterograde and retrograde amnesia lasting less than 24 hours. During this episode patients are conscious and able to interact normally, but are typically distressed and repeat questions without remembering explanations. Despite progress in medical imaging, no cause for the condition has been proven. Prognosis is excellent and management centres on recognition and reassurance. We describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and management.

Keywords

transient global amnesiavenous flowmigraineolder peopleepilepsy
Type
Review Article
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 23 , Issue 3 , August 2013 , pp. 189 - 195
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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