A Case of Transient Global Amnesia: A Rare Diagnosis

Cureus. 2022 Jan 26;14(1):e21637. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21637. eCollection 2022 Jan.

Abstract

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a syndrome characterized by a loss of anterograde memory with a less prominent loss in retrograde episodic memory that resolves within 24 hours or less. In this report, we present a rare case of a 62-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset confusion and memory loss. Prior to this, the patient had no significant medical or psychiatric history. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) showed a normal presentation, and a neurology consultation ruled out any organic brain abnormalities. After ruling out all other potential causes, diagnosis of transient global amnesia was made. We present this case highlighting the importance of ruling out other acutely morbid conditions when addressing TGA, guidance on timing of imaging, as well as offering insight on other etiologies of this condition.

Keywords: amnesia; anterograde amnesia; covid-19; hippocampal cortex; memory; memory loss; neocortex; retrograde amnesia; transient global amnesia; transient ischemic attack.

Publication types

  • Case Reports