Diagnosis
Before diagnosing transient global amnesia, healthcare providers need to eliminate more serious conditions such as stroke, seizure, or head injury. These conditions can present with similar memory loss symptoms.
- Physical exam: Includes a neurological assessment. During this examination, healthcare providers evaluate reflexes, muscle tone, muscle strength, sensory function, gait, posture, coordination, and balance. Additionally, doctors may administer cognitive tests and ask questions to assess thinking, judgment, and memory.
- Imaging: The diagnosis of transient global amnesia involves conducting brain and imaging tests to identify any abnormalities in the brain’s electrical activity and blood flow. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Computerized tomography (CT): This test uses specialized X-ray equipment to capture images of the brain and skull from different angles. These images are then combined to create cross-sectional views. CT scans can reveal structural abnormalities in the brain, such as narrowed, overstretched, or damaged blood vessels, as well as past strokes.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the brain. These images can be combined to create 3D representations that can be viewed from various angles. If you have already undergone a CT scan that did not detect any brain abnormalities during the episode, an MRI may not be necessary.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG records the electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp. People with epilepsy often exhibit changes in their brain wave patterns, even when they are not experiencing a seizure. Your doctor may order an EEG if you have had multiple episodes of transient global amnesia or if they suspect that you might be having seizures.
Treatment
Transient global amnesia does not have a specific treatment and typically resolves on its own within 24 hours, returning memory function to its normal state. To ensure that there are no underlying medical causes and to monitor for any additional symptoms, healthcare professionals usually advise patients to remain in the hospital until the amnesia subsides.