Risk factors of transient global amnesia

Abstract

Introduction:Transient global amnesia (TGA) is characterized by a sudden onset of anterograde and retrograde amnesia, sometimes associated with mild subclinical neuropsychological deficits and vegetative symptoms, lasting for days after the episode. Migraine history, cardiovascular risk factors, and emotional stress are considered possible risk factors. TGA usually occurs during the seventh decade of life, that is, when risk factors and concomitant pathologies have a higher incidence.Case Presentation:We report 3 cases of TGA triggered by different causes (cardiovascular risk factors, emotional stress, and orgasm) with an unusual young onset (patient 1 was a 40-year-old woman, patient 2 was a 21-year-old woman, and patient 3 a 32-year-old man). The patients underwent neuroimaging and cardiovascular examination, and neuropsychological evaluation, without important abnormalities. TGA completely recovery within 1 to 7 days.Conclusions:The occurrence of different precipitating events and accurate questioning (in the absence of head trauma) seem to be key features in making the diagnosis of TGA, besides a complete neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular assessment.

Transient Global Amnesia in a 60-year-old female with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

“…This shows the close association between stress and TGA. Other reported causes include sexual intercourse, migraines, orgasms, emotional stress, swimming, sudden temperature change, and coughing [2-3,7]. There is a report of a TGA triggered by a nightmare [8] which has resemblance with our case report.…”

“…This is a unique aspect of this case that does not fit the known criteria of TGA. TGA with two years of retrograde amnesia and which persisted for a week has been reported [3]. TGA may also present with mild lingering neuropsychiatric deficits after the 24-hour benchmark [11].…”

Transient global amnesia. Have you considered hyperhomocysteinemia?

“…However, a lifelong intake of L-methylfolate supplement to control the MTHFR mutation gene-induced hyperhomocysteinemia was suggested to all patients. Although a causal relationship between TGA episodes and hyperhomocysteinemia cannot be proven (small sample), some cases, like ours, have been reported [2][3][4] , probably due to hyperhomocysteinemia-induced hippocampal dysfunction or vascular disorders. Moreover, it is known that hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong modifiable risk factor for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease 5 .…”

Transient Global Amnesia as a Presentation of Frontal Lobe Meningioma – A Case Report

“…The most common causes of TGA are migraine variant, transient ischemic attack, emotional stress, severe pain, physical exertion or vasospasm. 3,4 Transient global amnesia occurring as a presenting feature of a brain tumour is extremely rare, with fewer than 20 cases reported worldwide till 2015. 5 The case of a 65 years old female, who presented with TGA to our hospital is presented here.…”