Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
10:25
Brain Infarct Segmentation and Registration on MRI or CT for Lesion-symptom Mapping
Published on: September 25, 2019
'Les ictus amnésiques' and transient global amnesia
J M S Pearce1, Julien Bogousslavsky
1Emeritus Consultant Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK.
European Neurology
|July 16, 2009
Summary
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a distinct neurological syndrome characterized by sudden, short-lived memory loss. While its exact cause remains unclear in most cases, TGA typically has a good prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Transient global amnesia (TGA) was first described in 1909 and gained recognition following Fisher and Adams' 1958 work.
- The condition involves abrupt anterograde amnesia of short duration.
Observation:
- Fisher and Adams reported on 17 patients presenting with TGA.
- The review focuses on the historical classification and diagnostic criteria of TGA.
Findings:
- Despite various postulated etiologies, ischemia or epilepsy are not demonstrable in most TGA cases.
- TGA is a clinically distinct syndrome with a generally favorable prognosis.
Implications:
- The heterogeneous nature of TGA suggests multiple potential underlying mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the causes of transient global amnesia, although jugular venous reflux may be implicated in some instances.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Amnesia
Amnesia is a condition marked by long-term memory loss, which impairs the ability to recall past events or create new memories.
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:28Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
01:21Dissociative Amnesia
Dissociative amnesia is a complex psychological condition that manifests as an inability to recall personal information, often tied to traumatic or stressful events. Unlike general amnesia, individuals with this condition retain the ability to perform routine activities and procedural tasks, such as operating a phone or navigating public transportation, yet experience profound gaps in autobiographical memory. These lapses may encompass significant life events, such as suicide attempts or...
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or playing an...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...