Sudden, transient neurological condition primarily characterized by acute disruption of both short-term and long-term memory

Aetiology

• TGA is most common in middle-aged and elderly individuals, with the peak incidence occurring in the fifth to seventh decades of life
• It affects both men and women equally
• Exact cause uncertain
• Triggering factors: emotion, change in temperature

Pathophysiology

• Generally one off
• Pathophysiology uncertain, transient changes in hippocampus

Clinical features

• Sudden onset of memory loss, affecting both the ability to recall past events (retrograde amnesia) and form new memories (anterograde amnesia)
• Repetitive questioning due to memory loss
• Confusion or feeling lost, even in familiar surroundings
• Clear consciousness and preserved personal identity
• Unaffected motor skills, allowing individuals to maintain their regular physical activities
• Spontaneous resolution of symptoms, typically within 24 hours

Investigations

• Neuroimaging: brain CT or MRI to exclude stroke or other structural brain abnormalities
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): to exclude seizure activity
• Neuropsychological tests: to assess cognitive function and exclude other types of amnesia or cognitive impairment