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Clinical communication: Adult| Volume 41, ISSUE 3, P257-260, September 2011

“Forgettable” Sex: A Case of Transient Global Amnesia Presenting to the Emergency Department

  • Kevin Maloy
    Affiliations
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital & Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
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  • Jonathan E. Davis
    Correspondence
    Reprint Address: Jonathan E. Davis, md, Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital, 3800 Reservoir Road, N.W., Ground Floor – CCC Building, Washington, DC 20007
    Affiliations
    Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University Hospital & Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
    Search for articles by this author

      Abstract

      Background: Transient global amnesia is characterized by the sudden development of dense anterograde amnesia, without alteration in level of consciousness and in the absence of focal neurologic deficits or seizure activity. Various precipitating causes have been reported in the medical literature. Objective: To present a literature-guided approach to the diagnosis and management of transient global amnesia in the Emergency Department (ED). Case Report: We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented to the ED with an episode of acute memory loss. Conclusions: Although rare, transient global amnesia may present in a dramatic fashion. The occurrence of a distinct precipitating event and repetitive questioning seem to be key features in making the diagnosis. Important differential considerations include transient ischemic attack, seizure, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brain imaging and specialty consultation are reserved primarily for patients with unclear circumstances, altered level of consciousness, focal neurologic findings, and persistent (or very brief) amnestic symptoms. Brain imaging may, however, relieve anxiety about more dangerous causes of the event.

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