Amnesia
----------Logan Roberts, 10/14/16, Health - 6----------
Definition
Dissociate Amnesia, which occurs when a person cannot remember information, such as where a person has been, who a person is, or even entire conversations. Often this is prompted by a stressful event, such as abuse, a traumatic experience similar to those detailed in the section on PTSD, or death of a loved one. Memory loss is the primary symptom of this disorder, which is more common
among young adults.
Memory loss can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including:
- Head injury
- Severe illness
- High fever
- Seizures
- Emotional shock or hysteria
- Alcohol-related brain damage
- Certain drugs, such as barbiturates or heroin
- General anaesthetics
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Stroke
- Transient ischaemic attack (a 'mini stroke')
- Alzheimer's disease
- Brain surgery.
The symptoms of amnesia depend on the cause, but generally include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Inability to recognise familiar faces or places
- Once the person recovers, they typically have no memory of their amnesia episode.
Age/ Gender Tendencies
It can haven to any gender and any age.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. For example, a person who has suffered a traumatic event may benefit from sedation, plenty of love and care, and (perhaps) psychiatric treatment. Concussion needs rest, once complications have been ruled out. If alcoholism is the cause, then abstinence, emotional support and addressing dietary deficiencies are recommended. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, a range of new medications that enhance the cholinergic function of the brain are now available; however, nursing homes or other extended care options may eventually be needed as the person becomes less able to look after themselves.
New Life Addition and Recovery Sevices
background
Memory consists of several types of information storage. In amnesia only part of memory is lost. Memory for skills --- for example, how to walk, talk, read, or write --- is usually not lost. A concussion resulting from an auto accident, for example, may cause a temporary memory loss about just the accident itself. This is called localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia blocks out of all memories concerning the victim's entire previous life.
Amnesia