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Weather conditions and transient global amnesia. A six-year study
N Maalikjy Akkawi1, C Agosti, M Grassi
1Dept. of Neurology, Piazzale Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy. maakna@yahoo.com
Journal of Neurology
|September 1, 2005
Summary
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is linked to lower ambient temperatures. This study found TGA admissions were highest below 6.9°C and lowest above 24°C, suggesting a temperature-related trigger for TGA.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The causes of transient global amnesia (TGA) remain unclear.
- Triggers for TGA often involve increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
- Meteorological factors may influence sympathetic activity and TGA incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between climatic parameters and TGA occurrence.
- To evaluate the impact of temperature variations on TGA incidence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 223 TGA cases over six years.
- Comparison of daily meteorological data from days with and without TGA.
- Statistical analysis of temperature's independent effect on TGA admissions.
Main Results:
- TGA onset showed a significant correlation with lower daily, monthly, and seasonal temperatures.
- TGA incidence peaked at temperatures below 6.9°C and was minimal above 24°C (P < 0.0001).
- A decrease of 8.4°C in ambient temperature was associated with a 22% increase in TGA admission odds.
Conclusions:
- Low ambient temperature is associated with an increased occurrence of TGA.
- Further multicenter research is needed to confirm these findings across different climates.
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