PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It is not unusual for someone who has suffered a concussion to suffer from memory loss, but what about when it happens for no apparent reason?
Transient global amnesia occurs rarely, but it is more common as people hit 50 and older. The striking aspect of this form of amnesia is that it impacts short-term memory and only lasts about 24 hours.
People often ask questions like “where am I?” or “how did I get here?” Often, there is no obvious cause, but it can be triggered by stress, a change in temperature, high altitude or even sexual activity.
Neurologists are usually called in to investigate, but memory often returns as suddenly as it was lost. The overall prognosis is excellent.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.