Amnesia is either a symptom of numerous neurodegenerative diseases or it can occur due to trauma. However, in neurodegenerative diseases where the primary symptom is memory loss (or amnesiacs), the affected persons typically stay lucid and keep hold of their sense of self. They may actually be aware that they are suffering from a memory disorder as well.
What is the etiology or cause of amnesia ?
Amnesia has quite a few root causes. The maximum cases of amnesia are due to brain injury either by physical trauma, particular neurodegenerative diseases, certain infections, excessive alcohol and drug abuse, or decreased blood flow to the brain (vascular insufficiency). Even infections that damage brain tissue such as Herpes can also cause amnesia. If the amnesia is psychological in origin, it is termed as psychogenic.
What are the symptoms of amnesia ?
- Anterograde amnesia: This form of amnesia characteristically occurs after brain trauma and is basically the inability to retain new information. Short-term memory of recent experiences disappears, but victims have no such problem with events prior to the trauma.
- Retrograde amnesia: This form of amnesia is quite the opposite of anterograde amnesia. The victim can easily recall events that occurred after the trauma, but cannot remember previous memories or familiar information before the trauma.
- Transient global amnesia: This type of amnesia has no identifiable cause, but migraines or transient ischemic attacks may be possible triggers. A transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a stroke occurs when there is a blockage in an artery, supplying the brain. During this, the victim might experience sudden confusion as well as forgetfulness. Attacks could be as short as 30-60 minutes or could carry on for 24 hours. While it is frightening for the patient, this amnesia generally has an excellent recovery.
How is amnesia diagnosed?
For establishing the diagnosis of amnesia and its exact cause, doctors requires earlier history of any traumas or illnesses, drugs and medications taken, as well as an examination of the patient’s general health.Psychological examination can determine the degree of amnesia and the affected memory system. The doctor may ask the patient to undergo imaging scans like MRI to decide if the brain has been damaged and blood-work diagnostics to rule out metabolic causes or chemical problems.
What is the treatment of amnesia?
Treatment depends on the root cause of amnesia and is handled on an individual basis. Despite of the cause, cognitive rehabilitation will definitely aid learning strategies in order to cope with impaired memory. The first step in follow up of symptoms is contacting your regular primary care physician.
In many cases, the doctor refers the patient to specialists such as a:
- Neurologist who specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
- Psychiatrist who specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
- Psychologist with special training in testing memory and other mental functions
The workup is designed to evaluate overall health and identify how well the mind is working. A combination of both drug as well as non-drug therapies will help to treat cognitive and behavioural symptoms.
How to find neurologists for amnesia treatment ?
Now you can find neurologists for amnesia treatment from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple neurologists, get cost estimates for amnesia treatment from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a neurologist for amnesia treatment.
Find a neurologist for amnesia treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
