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Transient Global Amnesia — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyNeurodegenerative DiseaseTransient Global AmnesiaSCE Neurology

A 30-year-old woman presents with a sudden episode of transient global amnesia — she develops acute onset of anterograde amnesia lasting 6 hours, during which she repeatedly asks the same questions. She has no focal neurological deficit, no seizure activity, and no headache. The episode resolves completely. MRI brain DWI shows small punctate areas of restricted diffusion in the bilateral hippocampi. What is the diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Transient global amnesia

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is characterised by sudden onset of anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories) lasting typically 4–24 hours, with complete resolution. Retrograde amnesia for recent events is also present. The patient is alert, oriented to self, and has no focal neurological deficit. MRI DWI may show small punctate lesions in the hippocampi (CA1 region) 12–72 hours after onset. TGA is benign with a very low recurrence rate (~3–5% per year) and no increased stroke risk. A: No seizure activity observed. B: TIA does not typically cause isolated amnesia lasting hours. D: Dissociative amnesia affects autobiographical memory with preserved new learning. E: Wernicke has ophthalmoplegia and confusion.

Reference: ICHD-3 (2018); Hodges & Warlow TGA Criteria