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
Transient global amnesia
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Synopsis

Codes
ICD10CM:
G45.4 – Transient global amnesia
SNOMEDCT:
230736007 – Transient global amnesia
G45.4 – Transient global amnesia
SNOMEDCT:
230736007 – Transient global amnesia
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Transient ischemic attack / stroke
- Seizure
- Migraine headache
- Delirium
- Drug intoxication
- Psychiatric disease
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:04/09/2018
Last Updated:10/19/2020
Last Updated:10/19/2020