Transient global amnesia is a disorder characterized by temporary impairment in short-term memory. The cause is unknown. There is loss of recent memory and inability to establish new memories, usually with intact long-term memory. Patients may appear anxious or agitated and may repeat questions. There is no loss of consciousness, impaired attention, seizure activity, language impairment, or focal neurologic deficit present. Symptoms resolve within 24 hours, although there may continue to be loss of memory of the event itself. Recurrence is rare.

Risk factors include age older than 50 years and a personal or family history of migraines, but not hypertension or hyperlipidemia. Younger age at the time of the first episode may be associated with higher risk of recurrent episodes. There is no sex predilection.

Related topics: drug-induced amnesia, dissociative disorders