[Transient Global Amnesia in the Reykjavik area]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Memory Disorders

Context:

• Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is a neurological syndrome characterized by sudden, temporary anterograde memory loss.
• TGA typically resolves within 24 hours without focal neurological deficits.
• Understanding TGA's characteristics and triggers is crucial for diagnosis and patient reassurance.

Purpose:

• To investigate the incidence, clinical features, and potential triggers of Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) in the Reykjavik area.
• To analyze patient demographics, precipitating events, and diagnostic imaging findings in TGA cases.
• To correlate clinical presentation and MRI findings with the proposed mechanism of transient hippocampal dysfunction.

Summary:

• A retrospective analysis of 348 TGA cases (2010-2021) in Reykjavik revealed a mean age of 64.1 years, equal sex distribution, and a 9.9% recurrence rate.
• Physical activity (24.4%) was the most frequent precipitating event, followed by temperature changes and emotional stress.
• While CT scans showed no acute changes, MRI revealed hippocampal restricted diffusion in 10.3% of cases, supporting transient hippocampal dysfunction.

Impact:

• This study confirms TGA is not rare and highlights common triggers and demographic profiles, aligning with existing literature.
• Findings support the hypothesis of temporary hippocampal dysfunction in TGA, evidenced by clinical and MRI data.
• The study underscores the benign nature of TGA, aiding in differential diagnosis and reducing patient anxiety.