Sudden Memory Loss

There may have been times when you yourself, or a loved one may have had a sudden bout of short term memory loss, where they were unable to remember what they did just a while ago. It is indeed a situation that would scare the wits out of the affected person, and those around her/him, because it is so shocking that they can't remember what they were doing just five minutes ago, and you yourself witnessed this transition. Episodes of sudden memory loss usually occur for a short time period, where, after a while the affected individual may be able to revive her/his memory and remember all those events that she/he seemed unable to remember a while ago.

Causes

If you thought that only the elderly are affected by sudden memory loss, think again. Such bouts of memory loss affect all age groups, and there may be a lot of reasons for the same.

• One of the most common reasons that people may be prone to bouts of short term memory loss is some sort of head injury. While we're all knocking our heads here and there at some point of time, one of the effects of a severe heady injury may be these bouts of memory loss.
• Alzheimer's disease and dementia may also cause this condition. While these are conditions that are common in the elderly, it is possible that even younger adults may be affected by these.
• Another condition known as Transient Global Amnesia triggers a bout of sudden memory loss after a stressful or traumatic event, events that cause extreme anxiety levels. Though this is a condition that is very rare, it is likely that it may occur for some, at some point in time before middle age.
• Those who suffer from a brain tumor may exhibit sudden symptoms of short-term memory loss.
• One of the many causes of sudden memory loss in the elderly, apart from the aforementioned causes, is the change in pattern of blood flow to the brain. Further, even oxygen levels in the body are affected and disturbed flow of oxygen to the brain may be a cause for such a condition.
• Those who experience stress beyond their personal ability to cope with it, may suddenly lose their memory. Similarly, those who are severely sleep deprived may be affected by this condition.
• Those affected by a stroke or seizure may have trouble recalling events that occurred before the stroke, or have bouts of sudden memory loss where they are unable to remember what they did in the recent past.
• When the brain is infected, it is likely to impair proper memory functioning, thereby causing this condition. Further, the intake of certain drugs known as statin drugs may also affect memory as a side effect.

Symptoms

There are certain symptoms that accompany such episodes.

• Usually, when an episode of memory loss is about to occur, it is possible that the affected person may suddenly go silent, and not respond to their name being called out, or any other questions you may ask them. This is because the effect is so sudden, they fail to comprehend their surroundings, how they landed there, and may sometimes even fail to recognize who they are with.
• It is obvious that such an episode will result in high levels of confusion, because of their failure to comprehend everything around them.
• Another symptom of sudden memory loss is the inability to perform a particular task, in spite of having done it well in the past. It is likely that the affected individual may not be able to pick up a pen to write, or fill him/herself a glass of water during the episode. Usually sudden memory problems are accompanied by a temporary lack of proper muscle coordination.
• The affected individual will also ask the same question again and again, not only because they are confused, but also because they cannot believe that they were doing something (even something as simple as having a meal), only due to the fact that they can't remember doing any such thing.
• Finally, they are also likely to exhibit mood swings during the event.

Whatever the causes, as soon as such a condition is experienced, consulting your doctor is of utmost importance. While some causes are mild, others may be dangerous, and if not given proper memory loss treatment, it is possible that the condition may worsen. Treatment may include prescription of certain memory loss medication, therapy for memory improvement, performing some memory improvement exercises, apart from treating the actual cause of the problem. As you can see, more often than not, sudden memory loss is a symptom of another condition and not a condition in itself. This is why it is so important to bring such episodes to the attention of your doctor, who will then diagnose and treat the underlying condition that is causing such events. Do not take it lightly, and do not wait for the episodes to become more frequent, before you finally decide to visit a doctor. It can be dangerous, and the sooner it is treated, the easier it will be to treat.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert.