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Exploring transient global amnesia: a 14-year retrospective study of 142 cases
1Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
BMJ Neurology Open
|March 25, 2026
Summary
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is linked to stress and memory. This study found new triggers like wake-up amnesia and identified specific MRI findings, expanding TGA understanding.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Transient global amnesia (TGA) offers insights into stress and memory formation.
- Understanding TGA's pathophysiology is crucial for distinguishing it from similar conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the clinical and diagnostic profiles of TGA and its mimics.
- To review current evidence and enhance understanding of TGA's pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 142 acute amnesia cases (2011-2024).
- Classification of cases into TGA and non-TGA based on established criteria.
- Analysis of clinical data, brain MRI (83% of TGA cases), and other investigations.
Main Results:
- 69% of cases were TGA; non-TGA cases showed broader age range and male predominance.
- Identified triggers beyond typical stressors, including 12% wake-up TGA.
- Repetitive questioning (93.2% specificity) and hippocampal punctate diffusion lesions on MRI (93.3%) were key findings.
Conclusions:
- The study expands the clinical spectrum of TGA, including new triggers.
- A proposed mechanism involves catecholamine-mediated hippocampal dysfunction.
- Findings highlight the interplay of stress, arousal, and hippocampal susceptibility in TGA.
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