Recovery of components of memory in post-traumatic amnesia

Abstract

The pattern of recovery of memory and new learning during PTA reflects a number of complex, inter-related variables including; the familiarity with the information, amount of rehearsal both before and since the accident and the number of cues available in the environment.

Natural sequence of recovery from child post-traumatic amnesia: A retrospective cohort study

“…In contrast, in a study using a composite PTA scale that included items from the OPTAS, the GOAT and the WPTAS, recognition memory (but not memory recall) recovered significantly before orientation (Tate et al, 2000). When sequence of recovery was examined in more detail across the studies, orientation to person was always found to recover first (Geffen et al, 1991;Gronwall & Wrightson, 1980;High et al, 1990;Leach et al, 2006;McFarland et al, 2001;Tate et al, 2000). The order in which orientation to place and time and memory were recovered has remained unclear.…”

“…It has been suggested that differences in the items included to measure the same constructs on different PTA scales may account for the variations in sequences of recovery described above (Leach et al, 2006;McFarland et al, 2001). Essentially, Leach et al (2006) pointed out that the inconsistencies may be partially due to orientation and memory being "ill-defined constructs which are indexed by summing up variable groups of items" (p. 1242).…”

“…Moreover, understanding the progression in which individuals regain abilities during PTA contributes to acute patient management and early rehabilitative interventions post TBI. To the authors' knowledge, while several studies have examined the sequence of skills recovery in adults (Geffen, Encel, & Forrester, 1991;Gronwall & Wrightson, 1980;High, Levin, & Gary, 1990;Leach, Kinsella, Jackson, & Matyas, 2006;McFarland, Jackson, & Geffe, 2001;Saneda & Corrigan, 1992;Tate, Pfaff, & Jurjevic, 2000), no study to date has examined sequence of skills recovery during PTA in children. This is important, because it should not be assumed that the findings of adult research are directly applicable to children, whose brain and cognitive capacities are still developing.…”

“…Essentially, Leach et al (2006) pointed out that the inconsistencies may be partially due to orientation and memory being "ill-defined constructs which are indexed by summing up variable groups of items" (p. 1242). In a study that utilized the WPTAS to assess PTA in 34 patients with severe TBIs, Leach et al (2006) examined item-by-item order of recovery and subjected it to hierarchical cluster analysis.…”

“…Essentially, Leach et al (2006) pointed out that the inconsistencies may be partially due to orientation and memory being "ill-defined constructs which are indexed by summing up variable groups of items" (p. 1242). In a study that utilized the WPTAS to assess PTA in 34 patients with severe TBIs, Leach et al (2006) examined item-by-item order of recovery and subjected it to hierarchical cluster analysis. This study revealed that the items clustered with respect to the types of memory required: (i) long-term autobiographical memories: orientation to person (e.g., date of birth); (ii) simple new learning: orientation to time and place that require a consolidation and updating of new memories; and (iii) complex new learning: the individual's ability to recognize and/or recall new information (i.e., faces and objects) from day to day.…”