Amnesia

Amnesia

The term “amnesia” originates from Greek, composed of “a” = “without, not” and “mnesis” = “memory.” Thus, “amnesia” refers to a loss of memory. Memory loss can affect a limited period or specific topics, meaning it is defined temporally or contextually.

Memory loss typically occurs during a specific period and results from a triggering event. The episode of amnesia is usually limited and does not return to memory.

There are different types of memory disorders:

  • Anterograde Amnesia: Memory loss for a specific period after a damaging event.
  • Concussive Amnesia: Memory loss for the time of unconsciousness following a damaging event.
  • Retrograde Amnesia: Memory loss for the period before a damaging event (seconds to days); usually shorter than anterograde amnesia.
  • Global Amnesia: Both retrograde and anterograde amnesia.
  • Transient Global Amnesia: A temporary episode with memory disturbance, retrograde and anterograde amnesia, and disorientation.
  • Psychogenic Amnesia: Content-defined amnesia due to the repression of unpleasant memories related to traumatic experiences.

Causes

Amnesia can result from various diseases, injuries, or damage to the brain. While the memory loss can be very distressing for those affected, it is merely a symptom. Causes of amnesia may include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury: Damage from a blow or jolt to the head.
  • Stroke: Disrupted blood supply to the brain, leading to brain damage.
  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Epileptic Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • Poisoning: Brain damage caused by toxic substances.

Extreme psychological stress from traumatic experiences can also lead to amnesia, which in this case is typically content-defined rather than time-limited.

Treatment

A comprehensive diagnosis is the foundation of the best and most successful treatment. At the beginning, and for the perfect treatment choice, it is important to determine the underlying cause of the amnesia diagnosed in our patients. For example, if the amnesia is caused by a neurological disease such as a stroke or brain inflammation, these underlying diseases will be treated first. Additionally, our therapists work with tasks and activities to train the patient’s memory. Every memory is like a muscle that can be challenged and trained.

However, if the patient is severely cognitively impaired due to their neurological disease, they learn individual compensation strategies during therapy to make their everyday life easier. The experienced therapists at the Kliniken Schmieder are happy to include electronic reminders via an app. If, however, the cause of the amnesia is psychological trauma or a stress-related illness, then the treatment will be psychotherapy. The rare condition of psychogenic amnesia is treated at Kliniken Schmieder in the specialized Psychotherapeutic Neurology department.