Causes and risk factors
There are various types of Amnesia – Anterograde amnesia – Inability to remember ongoing events after the incidence of trauma or the onset of the disease that caused the amnesia; Emotional/hysterical amnesia – Memory loss caused by psychological trauma; usually a temporary condition. – Inability to remember a specific event. Korsakoff syndrome – Memory loss caused by chronic alcoholism. Posthypnotic amnesia – Memory loss sustained from a hypnotic state; can include inability to recall events that occurred during hypnosis or information stored in long-term memory. Retrograde amnesia – Inability to remember events that occurred before the incidence of trauma or the onset of the disease that caused the amnesia. Transient global amnesia – Spontaneous memory loss that can last from minutes to several hours; usually seen in middle-aged to elderly people. The causes of amnesia are as follows – Aging , Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholism, brain damage due to disease or injury, brain growths [caused by tumours or infection], brain infections such as Lyme disease or syphilis, encephalitis of any type [herpes, West Nile, Eastern Equine], seizures, stroke or transient ischemic attack [TIA], temporal lobe brain surgery. Drugs, electroconvulsive therapy [especially if it is long-term], general anaesthetics can lead to amnesia. Hysteria often accompanied by confusion, illness that result in the loss of nerve cells [neurodegenerative illness], nutritional problems [vitamin deficiencies such as low vitamin B12], depression or emotional trauma.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with inability to remember new information, called as Anterograde amnesia, inability to remember previously familiar information or the past events, called as retrograde amnesia, sudden confusion and forgetfulness, disorientation regarding time and place. Associated symptoms include tremors, uncoordinated movements, problems with short term memory, failure to recognize places and faces, false recollection [confabulation], either completed invented or made up of original memories misplaced in time.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Cognitive tests [psychometric tests] is advised. EEG is recommended. Blood tests for specific diseases that are suspected [such as low vitamin B12 or thyroid disease]. Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI of the head is useful for further evaluation. Lumbar puncture may be required. Cerebral angiography may be done. 2D Echo , ECG, holter monitoring may be done in some cases.
Treatment
Fortunately in most cases amnesia resolves itself without any treatment. Also, treatment depends on the root cause of amnesia and is handled on an individual basis. Regardless of cause, cognitive rehabilitation may be helpful in learning strategies to cope with memory impairment. The aim of treatment often involves techniques and strategies to compensate for memory loss. This includes occupational therapy, learning strategies for organizing information. The family should provide support. Reality orientation is recommended — supplying familiar music, objects, or photos, to help the person stay oriented. Some people may need support to help them relearn.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating amnesia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating amnesia.
