A Case Report of Transient Amnesia Following Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage of the Fornix

Cureus. 2023 Feb 1;15(2):e34519. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34519. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

In this report, we share the case of a 65-year-old male with a remote history of brain concussion who presented to the emergency department for evaluation of transient amnesia that lasted 30 minutes to one hour. He was found to have spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage of the fornix as a cause of his amnesic episode. To date from the creation of this case report (January 2023), spontaneous hemorrhage of the fornix resulting in transient amnesia has not been previously described in the literature. The fornix is an unusual location for spontaneous hemorrhage to occur. The differential diagnosis of transient amnesia is broad and includes, but is not limited to, transient global amnesia, traumatic injury, hippocampal infraction, and various metabolic derangements. Determination of the etiology of transient amnesia can result in changes in treatment decisions. Because of this unique patient presentation, we propose that spontaneous hemorrhage of the fornix should be considered in patients who present with transient amnesia.

Keywords: fornix; indirect brain concussion; intracranial hemorrhage; memory; papez circuit; spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage; transient amnesia; transient global amnesia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports