Definition   

Memory loss is defined as a loss of memory resulting from brain damage (disease or trauma) or severe emotional trauma.

Common causes   

Aging, Alzheimer’s disease, Neurodegenerative illness, Head trauma or injury , Hysteria often accompanied by confusion , Seizures ,General anesthetics such as halothane, isoflurane, and fentanyl , Alcoholism , Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

• Transient global amnesia, Drugs such as barbiturates or benzodiazepines
• Electro convulsive therapy (especially if prolonged), Temporal lobe brain surgery

What to expect   

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
The medical history may need to be obtained by asking questions of the family and friends. Medical history questions documenting memory loss in detail may include: Amnesia

• Type
• Can the person remember recent events (is there impaired short-term memory)?
• Can the person remember events from further in the past (is there impaired long-term memory)?
• Is there a loss of memory about events that occurred prior to a specific experience (anterograde amnesia)?
• Is there a loss of memory about events that occurred soon after a specific experience (retrograde amnesia)?
• Time pattern
• Has the memory loss been getting worse over years?
• Has the memory loss been developing over weeks or months?
• Is the memory loss present all the time or are there distinct episodes of amnesia?
• If there are amnesia episodes, how long do they last?
• Aggravating or triggering factors
• Has there been a head injury in the recent past?
• Has the person experienced an event that was emotionally traumatic?
• Has there been a surgery or procedure requiring a general anesthetic?
• Does the person use alcohol? How much?
• Does the person use illegal/illicit drugs? How much? What type?

Physical examination may include a detailed neurological examination. Recent, intermediate, and long-term memory will be tested.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Cerebral angiography
• CT scan or MRI of the head
• EEG
• Blood tests (for specific diseases that are suspected)
• Psychometric tests (cognitive tests)
• Lumbar puncture