![]() Transient global amnesia presumably results from transient dysfunction of the temporal lobes or diencephalon and may arise during coughing, exercise, sexual intercourse, driving, or medical procedures or after severe emotional stress, as in this case. The episode of transient global amnesia was considered to be due to the stress of the dream, and the patient was discharged. The patient was especially distraught because his son was contemplating joining the military at the time the dream occurred. At this point, he screamed and woke up with amnesia. He vividly saw his son in a casket draped with an American flag. He remembered that just before his amnestic episode, he had fallen asleep and dreamed about his son joining the Marines and being killed in combat in Iraq. On hospital day 2, the patient had a normal mental status and was able to form anterograde memories. The next morning the patient still had amnesia with respect to the events of the two previous days. He repeatedly inquired, “Did I have a stroke?” and stated, “I can't remember anything.” The following laboratory and radiographic studies were normal: computed tomography of the brain chest radiography electrocardiography a complete blood count measurement of serum electrolytes and creatinine, liver enzymes, serum ammonia, and cardiac enzymes urinalysis and comprehensive screening of the urine for drugs. The patient could not remember seeing the physician in the emergency department or his nurse or how he came to his hospital room. The physical and neurologic examinations were otherwise normal. He had no medical history other than seasonal allergies and took no regular medications. There was no history of intoxication, drug use, head trauma, or obvious physical or emotional stress. The patient repeated the same questions and could not remember events minutes after their occurrence. 1 I report the case of a healthy man who presented with transient, profound anterograde and retrograde amnesia that was precipitated by a disturbing dream.Ī healthy 61-year-old man was brought to the emergency department by his wife after she noticed that he was forgetful of the previous evening's activities and was unable to form new memories during the subsequent day. ![]() Severe emotional stress can lead to a myriad of somatic or neurologic problems, including transient global amnesia, a syndrome of retrograde and anterograde memory loss without focal neurologic disturbances. ![]() The most trusted, influential source of new medical knowledge and clinical best practices in the world. Information and tools for librarians about site license offerings. Valuable tools for building a rewarding career in health care. The authorized source of trusted medical research and education for the Chinese-language medical community. The most advanced way to teach, practice, and assess clinical reasoning skills. Information, resources, and support needed to approach rotations - and life as a resident. The most effective and engaging way for clinicians to learn, improve their practice, and prepare for board exams. NEW! Peer-reviewed journal featuring in-depth articles to accelerate the transformation of health care delivery.Ĭoncise summaries and expert physician commentary that busy clinicians need to enhance patient care. These conditions include alcoholic "blackouts," TIA ( transient ischemic attack), temporal lobe epilepsy, brain tumor, drug reactions, and intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage.NEW! A digital journal for innovative original research and fresh, bold ideas in clinical trial design and clinical decision-making. Patients with many other clinical entities may present with amnesia and these may need to be ruled out before the diagnosis of TGA can be made.
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