Amnesia overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Amnesia (from Greek Template:Polytonic) is a condition in which memory is disturbed or lost. The causes of amnesia can be organic or functional. Organic causes include damage to the brain through trauma or disease, or use of certain (generally sedative) drugs. Functional causes are psychological factors, such as defense mechanisms. Hysterical post-traumatic amnesia is an example of this. Amnesia may also be spontaneous, in the case of transient global amnesia . This global type of amnesia is more common in middle-aged to elderly people, particularly males, and usually lasts less than 24 hours. Memory loss can be partial or total, and is normally expected as we get older.
Classification
Amnesia can classified based upon various neuropsychopathologies. It is important to consider the etiological, organic, progressive and clinical criteria in amnesia classification.
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating (Disease name) from other Conditions
Risk Factors
Aging, depression and medications (both prescription and non-prescription) are risk factors for amnesia.