Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a rare type of amnesia that causes sudden memory loss. When this happens you cannot remember events from your recent past or make new memories. You may also not know where you are, why you are there, or what the date is. You may ask the same question many times. Unlike other types of amnesia, you do know who you are and you can recognize people that you know. An episode usually does not last more than 6 hours and it rarely happens again.
What causes TGA is not fully known. But, in some cases, an intense workout, sex, or stress may cause an episode. People who get migraines are more likely to have TGA.
Your doctor probably did an exam and ran some tests to rule out certain health problems that can also cause sudden memory loss, such as a stroke, brain tumor, seizure, head injury, or an infection. If your doctor did not find any of these things to be the cause of your memory loss, you will not need treatment and you can go back to your usual activities. Although you may never be able to remember what happened right before or during the episode, the rest of your memory should come back.
TGA does not increase the chance that you will have a stroke or seizures in the future.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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