MCQ Psychiatry Answer 38

The Correct Answer is E

Transient Global Amnesia is so-called because it last a short period of time, but affects a large portion of the memory. It leaves the person confused because they may be without their memory for 24 hours or more.

Transient Global Amnesia is the sudden appearance of severe, forgetful confusion lasting from as little as 30 to60 minutes to as long as 12 hours or more. It is an unusual but not uncommon syndrome. During severe attacks, there is total disorientation except for one’s identity, combined with a retrograde memory deficit that can extend back for several years, but with gradually resolves as the attack subsides.

Patients generally have a rapid, total recovery; therefore no treatment is indicated. However, since this event may involve poor cerebral circulation due to atherosclerosis, further testing in indicated. If there is a personal or family history of cerebrovascular disease, it is suggested that the recommendation for atherosclerosis within the Cardiovascular Disease protocol be followed and consideration given to therapy.

Retrograde amnesia is the ‘soap opera’ kind of amnesia, where someone wakes from a coma and has forgotten everything about their previous life. This never happens (except in soap operas J). If it does happen, it’s accompanied by anterograde amnesia, and usually passes quite quickly – hence is referred to as transient global amnesia.

Category: Psychiatry MCQs