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Neurology India 2020Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a temporary short-term reversible memory loss. Etiology of TGA remains unclear with various hypotheses. We analyzed clinical...
OBJECTIVES
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a temporary short-term reversible memory loss. Etiology of TGA remains unclear with various hypotheses. We analyzed clinical characteristics, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological findings as well as comorbidities and seasonal variation in TGA patients with regard to possible background of the syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 56 patients (42 women and 14 men) with TGA hospitalized from 2008 to 2016 in the Department of Neurology, Wrocław Medical University.
RESULTS
A total of 52 patients (92.9%) underwent their first-ever episode of TGA. The potential triggers or events before episode could be recognized in 22 patients (39.3%). 35.7% patients had TGA in summer and 26.8% in winter months. In 92.9% patients chronic diseases were found, included: Hypertension (60.7%), dyslipidemia (48.2%), autoimmune thyroiditis (17.9%), and ischemic heart disease (14.3%). One patient (1,8%) suffered from migraine. Doppler ultrasonography of carotid arteries revealed abnormalities in 29 patients (51.8%). Electroencephalography abnormalities were observed in 10 (17.6%) of patients.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest a putative cerebrovascular background of transient global amnesia. No evidence has been provided for the association between TGA and epilepsy or migraine. Among comorbidities, autoimmune thyroiditis deserves further investigation with regard to its potential links with TGA.
Topics: Amnesia, Transient Global; Electroencephalography; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Male; Migraine Disorders; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32643675
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.288979 -
The Journal of Neuroscience : the... Aug 2019Diencephalic amnesia can be as debilitating as the more commonly known temporal lobe amnesia, yet the precise contribution of diencephalic structures to memory processes...
Diencephalic amnesia can be as debilitating as the more commonly known temporal lobe amnesia, yet the precise contribution of diencephalic structures to memory processes remains elusive. Across four cohorts of male rats, we used discrete lesions of the mammillothalamic tract to model aspects of diencephalic amnesia and assessed the impact of these lesions on multiple measures of activity and plasticity within the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex. Lesions of the mammillothalamic tract had widespread indirect effects on hippocampocortical oscillatory activity within both theta and gamma bands. Both within-region oscillatory activity and cross-regional synchrony were altered. The network changes were state-dependent, displaying different profiles during locomotion and paradoxical sleep. Consistent with the associations between oscillatory activity and plasticity, complementary analyses using several convergent approaches revealed microstructural changes, which appeared to reflect a suppression of learning-induced plasticity in lesioned animals. Together, these combined findings suggest a mechanism by which damage to the medial diencephalon can impact upon learning and memory processes, highlighting an important role for the mammillary bodies in the coordination of hippocampocortical activity. Information flow within the Papez circuit is critical to memory. Damage to ascending mammillothalamic projections has consistently been linked to amnesia in humans and spatial memory deficits in animal models. Here we report on the changes in hippocampocortical oscillatory dynamics that result from chronic lesions of the mammillothalamic tract and demonstrate, for the first time, that the mammillary bodies, independently of the supramammillary region, contribute to frequency modulation of hippocampocortical theta oscillations. Consistent with the associations between oscillatory activity and plasticity, the lesions also result in a suppression of learning-induced plasticity. Together, these data support new functional models whereby mammillary bodies are important for coordinating hippocampocortical activity rather than simply being a relay of hippocampal information as previously assumed.
Topics: Amnesia; Animals; Diencephalon; Electroencephalography; Gamma Rhythm; Hippocampus; Locomotion; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mammillary Bodies; Maze Learning; Neural Pathways; Neuronal Plasticity; Rats; Sleep, REM; Spatial Memory; Thalamus; Theta Rhythm
PubMed: 31235646
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0827-19.2019 -
BMC Neurology Jan 2022We report the case of a patient with recurrent episodes of disturbed memory suggestive of transient epileptic amnesia, and a focal hippocampal lesion typically...
BACKGROUND
We report the case of a patient with recurrent episodes of disturbed memory suggestive of transient epileptic amnesia, and a focal hippocampal lesion typically associated with transient global amnesia. We argue how careful consideration of clinical, electrophysiological and imaging findings can resolve this apparent contradiction and lead to a diagnosis of early symptomatic post-stroke seizures that links brain structure to function in a new, clinically relevant way.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 70-year-old patient was identified in clinical practice in our tertiary care centre and was evaluated clinically as well as by repeated electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging. The presenting complaint were recurrent episodes of short-term memory disturbance which manifested as isolated anterograde amnesia on neurocognitive evaluation. EEG and MRI revealed predominantly right frontotemporal spikes and a punctate diffusion-restricted lesion in the left hippocampus, respectively. Both symptoms and EEG changes subsided under anticonvulsant treatment with levetiracetam.
CONCLUSIONS
Our report contributes to the current discussion of clinical challenges in the differential diagnosis of transient memory disturbance. It suggests that focal diffusion-restricted hippocampal lesions, as seen in TGA, might be ischemic and thus highlights the importance of considering post-stroke seizures as a possible cause of transient memory disturbance.
Topics: Aged; Amnesia; Amnesia, Transient Global; Hippocampus; Humans; Infarction; Seizures
PubMed: 35012472
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02543-8 -
Annals of Neurology Feb 2016
Topics: Amnesia; Cognitive Dysfunction; Disease Progression; Exome; Hippocampus; Humans; Male; Repressor Proteins
PubMed: 26710319
DOI: 10.1002/ana.24588 -
BMJ Case Reports Apr 2020Transient global amnesia (TGA) is characterised by the sudden onset of isolated anterograde amnesia, which resolves within 24 hours. Here, we discuss the case of a...
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is characterised by the sudden onset of isolated anterograde amnesia, which resolves within 24 hours. Here, we discuss the case of a 63-year-old woman who underwent a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) as part of her workup for pulmonary hypertension. She was well on the morning of the procedure, and following consent, underwent transoesophageal echocardiography without sedation. The procedure was uncomplicated with normal observations throughout, confirming a suspected secundum atrial septal defect. Immediately following oesophageal extubation, it was noted that the patient was disoriented. The physical neurological examination was unremarkable. Urgent MRI of the brain showed normal anatomy; a diagnosis of TGA was made. Within 10 hours of onset, the patient was back to her baseline. Isolated anterograde amnesia following transoesophageal echocardiography should raise the clinical suspicion of TGA. Prompt clinical examination and support from other specialties are paramount in making the right diagnosis.
Topics: Amnesia, Transient Global; Diagnosis, Differential; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Middle Aged
PubMed: 32350056
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-234751 -
Revista de Neurologia Oct 2021Survivors of traumatic brain injury may experience a transient state of confusion and global disturbance of cognitive-behavioural functioning called post-traumatic...
INTRODUCTION
Survivors of traumatic brain injury may experience a transient state of confusion and global disturbance of cognitive-behavioural functioning called post-traumatic amnesia.
AIM
To describe the characteristics, methodological quality and main results of studies that have analysed the impact of non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of symptoms associated with post-traumatic amnesia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was carried out on papers published in the PubMed and PsycInfo databases over the last 20 years (2000-2020). The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of the 1,036 potentially interesting articles, eight met the eligibility criteria, four of which were randomised clinical trials. The interventions applied were grouped as follows: structured retraining of activities of daily living (four studies), reality orientation programme (two studies), Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform system (one study) and therapeutic application of music (one study). Seven of the eight articles reviewed showed positive or partially positive results.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the results obtained, there is evidence that non-pharmacological interventions have positive effects on reducing the cognitive-behavioural signs and symptoms associated with post-traumatic amnesia.
Topics: Amnesia; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Humans
PubMed: 34569032
DOI: 10.33588/rn.7307.2020625 -
Psychiatria Polska Aug 2017The problem of recovered memories concerns not only psychiatry, psychology or psychotherapy but it is also an important legal and judicial issue. Clinicians, scientists... (Review)
Review
The problem of recovered memories concerns not only psychiatry, psychology or psychotherapy but it is also an important legal and judicial issue. Clinicians, scientists and lawyers are in unsolved dispute, called "memory wars", concerning the credibility of these memories, especially if they were recovered following specific therapeutic techniques or using self-help books. Many cases of recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse brought legal action against alleged offender. Investigations showed, however, that some of these memories were false. The aim of this article is to try to answer key questions concerning the issue if recovered memories: Is it possible not to remember traumatic experiences? In what conditions the autobiographical memories can be implanted? Is it possible to make a list of therapeutic techniques evoking false memories? What are the characteristics of a patient particularly vulnerable for false memories creation? Answers to the above questions are a ground for considerations concerning creation of favorable conditions for therapeutic work and minimizing mistakes resulting from the risk of implanting false memories.
Topics: Amnesia; Humans; Imagery, Psychotherapy; Interview, Psychological; Mental Disorders; Mental Recall; Repression, Psychology; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
PubMed: 28987052
DOI: 10.12740/PP/62770 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2022Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological ailment that causes memory loss and impairments and is linked to a drop-in acetylcholine level. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)...
OBJECTIVE
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological ailment that causes memory loss and impairments and is linked to a drop-in acetylcholine level. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are used for the management of AD. In our ongoing research to search for natural AChE inhibitors from medicinal plants, we found that the Acorus calamus possesses memory-enhancing properties. α-Asarone is the major compound isolated from the Acorus calamus and it has neuroprotective action in animal models, nonetheless, its anticholinesterase activity in different brain regions was not fully understood. The purpose of this research was to determine the anti-amnesic and anti-cholinesterase activities of α-asarone against scopolamine-induced memory impairments in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The anti-cholinesterase activity of α-asarone was determined using Ellman's method in different brain areas, such as the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. In addition, the anti-amnesic effect of α-asarone was also investigated using elevated plus-maze, passive avoidance, and active avoidance tests.
RESULTS
The effect of α-asarone on memory impairment against scopolamine-induced (1 mg/kg body weight) amnesia was evaluated. Administration of α-asarone (15 and 30 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days to rats significantly ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory impairment as measured in the elevated plus-maze, passive avoidance, and avoidance active tests compared to the scopolamine-treated group. In this study, we also show that α-asarone treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced brain acetylcholinesterase activity in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum brain regions of amnesic rats.
CONCLUSIONS
These results confirmed that α-asarone has anti-amnesic and anti-cholinesterase potential which may be useful for the management of AD.
Topics: Acetylcholine; Acetylcholinesterase; Allylbenzene Derivatives; Alzheimer Disease; Amnesia; Animals; Anisoles; Avoidance Learning; Body Weight; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Maze Learning; Memory Disorders; Rats; Scopolamine
PubMed: 36111936
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29660 -
Cortex; a Journal Devoted To the Study... Jan 2017Developmental amnesia (DA) is a selective episodic memory disorder associated with hypoxia-induced bilateral hippocampal atrophy of early onset. Despite the systemic...
Developmental amnesia (DA) is a selective episodic memory disorder associated with hypoxia-induced bilateral hippocampal atrophy of early onset. Despite the systemic impact of hypoxia-ischaemia, the resulting brain damage was previously reported to be largely limited to the hippocampus. However, the thalamus and the mammillary bodies are parts of the hippocampal-diencephalic network and are therefore also at risk of injury following hypoxic-ischaemic events. Here, we report a neuroimaging investigation of diencephalic damage in a group of 18 patients with DA (age range 11-35 years), and an equal number of controls. Importantly, we uncovered a marked degree of atrophy in the mammillary bodies in two thirds of our patients. In addition, as a group, patients had mildly reduced thalamic volumes. The size of the anterior-mid thalamic (AMT) segment was correlated with patients' visual memory performance. Thus, in addition to the hippocampus, the diencephalic structures also appear to play a role in the patients' memory deficit.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Amnesia; Atrophy; Child; Female; Hippocampus; Humans; Male; Mammillary Bodies; Memory, Episodic; Memory, Short-Term; Young Adult
PubMed: 27880886
DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.09.016 -
Der Nervenarzt Dec 2022Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a rare phenomenon in temporal lobe epilepsy that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed as transient global amnesia (TGA). It is...
BACKGROUND
Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a rare phenomenon in temporal lobe epilepsy that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed as transient global amnesia (TGA). It is postulated that TEA is due to both ictal and postictal disturbances. Response to antiseizure medication underlines its epileptic nature. In view of the increasing incidence of new-onset epilepsies in old age, an increase in TEA can be expected in the future.
OBJECTIVE
Analysis of TEA features in a monocentric case series.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A search in our electronic patient data base yielded 10 patients with TEA out of 7899 patients over a period of 8 years. Clinical and paraclinical features as well as findings of additional examinations were retrospectively collected. Data are given as mean ± SD.
RESULTS
All 10 patients were diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. The mean age at manifestation of TEA was 59.1 ± 6.7 years, the diagnosis was made with a delay of 21.9 ± 26.3 months. The TEA lasted on average 56 ± 37 min, and 16 ± 9.9 TEA episodes per year were reported by the patients; out of the 10 patients 6 reported that TEA usually occurred upon awakening. In 9 of 10 patients, there was evidence of typical seizure symptoms or other semiological elements during TEA. Interictal neuropsychological disturbances of temporal functions were seen in 8 of 10 patients and evidence of depressive disorder in 6 of 10 patients. Video EEG recordings revealed epileptiform activity during sleep in 4 patients over the left and in 2 patients over both temporal regions. In 3 patients, magnetic resonance imaging displayed typical alterations of the temporomesial structures (in 2 patients on the left and in 1 the right side). Antiseizure medication improved seizure control in 7 of 10 patients (seizure freedom in 6 patients), 3 patients were lost to follow-up.
DISCUSSION
TEA is rare, occurs in older adults and is correctly diagnosed after about 2 years. Thorough assessment of additional symptoms and circumstances, the recurrent occurrence as well as typical EEG and imaging findings of temporal lobe epilepsy enables the distinction between TEA and TGA.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Retrospective Studies; Amnesia; Epilepsy; Amnesia, Transient Global; Seizures; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Electroencephalography
PubMed: 35920860
DOI: 10.1007/s00115-022-01364-5