Transient global amnesia predisposed by rizatriptan and temazepam

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a perplexing neurological condition primarily affecting older adults, characterised by the acute onset of anterograde amnesia. Patients remain oriented to self and symptoms resolve within 24 hours. Before diagnosing TGA, conditions such as transient ischaemic attack and stroke must be excluded. We present a case of a woman in her 60's who experienced acute onset memory impairment and confusion after taking rizatriptan for migraine and temazepam for insomnia the previous night. Initially treated as an acute ischaemic stroke with tissue plasminogen activator, a thorough neurological examination eventually led to a diagnosis of TGA after other potential causes were ruled out. This case suggests that the combined use of triptans and benzodiazepines may predispose patients to TGA. It also highlights the importance of differentiating TGA from other cerebrovascular diseases in order to reduce patients' exposure to the thrombolytic agent and the cost of hospitalisation.