Transient Global Amnesia

Q: Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is an integral part of? 

 A) Stroke
B) Post-seizure 
C) Metabolic encephalopathy
D) Delirium
E) None of the above


Answer: E

TGA is a very distinct clinical condition of a transient "antegrade amnesia" for which no specific etiology has been determined but the site of dysfunction is the medial aspect of the temporal lobe. Epidemiologically, it appears to be an age-related condition. Two distinct clinical features in most cases are 1) disorientation to place and time and 2) repetitive questioning about whereabouts.

Patients with TGA have no increased risk of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), stroke and death. The episode usually lasts for six hours and can be easily confused by clinicians.

No treatment is recommended as overall it is a benign condition. There is no restriction to driving either in isolated cases.


References:

1. Quinette P, Guillery-Girard B, Dayan J, et al. What does transient global amnesia really mean? Review of the literature and thorough study of 142 cases. Brain 2006; 129:1640.

2. Miller JW, Petersen RC, Metter EJ, et al. Transient global amnesia: clinical characteristics and prognosis. Neurology 1987; 37:733.

3. Pantoni L, Bertini E, Lamassa M, et al. Clinical features, risk factors, and prognosis in transient global amnesia: a follow-up study. Eur J Neurol 2005; 12:350.