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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIn many cases, an episode of transient global amnesia can be traced to a physically or emotionally stressful incident shortly before symptoms began. Among the triggering events commonly reported are:
- Sudden immersion in cold or hot water
- Strenuous physical activity
- Sexual intercourse
- Medical procedures, such as angiography or endoscopy
- Acute emotional distress, as might be provoked by bad news, conflict or overwork
The underlying cause of transient global amnesia is unknown. There appears to be a link between transient global amnesia and a history of migraines, though the underlying factors that contribute to both conditions aren't fully understood.
- Transient global amnesia. In: Moore DP, et al. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142042674-4/849601650/1243/207.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02911-6..50207-4_1884. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Brewer JB, et al. Memory. In: Goetz GD. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142042674-3/0/1488/42.html?tocnode=53800427&fromURL=42.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3618-0..10005-0_195. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Bourgeois JA, et al. Delirium, dementia, and amnestic and other cognitive disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2009. http://psychiatryonline.com. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Feldman MD. Amnestic disorder. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142042674-6/849601967/1701/33.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter28_613. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Shekhar R. Transient global amnesia. International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2008;62:939.
- Davis PH. Transient global amnesia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- RC Petersen (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 4, 2009.
