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[Amnesic ictus and cerebral blood flow]
M Trillet1, B Croisile, B Philippon
1Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Neurologique de Lyon.
Revue Neurologique
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Transient global amnesia involves reduced cerebral blood flow, particularly in specific brain regions. While some interventions showed temporary effects, the underlying neuronal mechanisms require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, temporary memory loss.
- Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of TGA is crucial for potential therapeutic interventions.
Observation:
- Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed using the Xenon inhalation test in patients experiencing TGA.
- Two patients exhibited overall decreases in CBF during TGA attacks, with specific regional reductions observed.
Findings:
- One patient showed a reversible temporal blood flow anomaly after naloxone administration, though clinical improvement was absent.
- Another patient experienced a global CBF decline after ergotamine tartrate plus caffeine, which normalized over ten days.
- CBF values returned to normal in patients tested 24 and 38 hours post-TGA, suggesting transient alterations.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential neuronal mechanism underlying TGA, possibly involving endorphin pathways, although this remains inconclusive.
- Naloxone's effect hints at a direct neuronal action, warranting further research into its therapeutic potential in TGA.
- Comparison with PET imaging studies supports the hypothesis of a primary neuronal dysfunction in TGA.