TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a memory dysfunction characterized b y a sudden onset of dense anterograde amnesia (AA) that gradually reso lves across several hours. TGA is typically accompanied by repeated qu estions (concerning present circumstances) with retrograde amnesia for events preceding the attack, and it usually strikes individuals in th eir late 50s and early 60s. The etiology of TGA remains unclear, altho ugh it probably reflects a temporary disruption of the blood supply to the temporal lobe. The physical and psychological events preceding th e attack are diverse, but they often include acute emotional and physi cal stressors. TGA appears to be benign, with low risk for recurrence or residual complications. While systematic memory research on TGA pat ients is rare, these individuals present a unique opportunity to study amnestic behaviors in otherwise normal individuals. A guide to conduc ting future research is provided.