Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnosis. Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of the skull (cranial CT or.cCT/cranial MRI or cMRI) – for further diagnosis [cMRI in transient global amnesia: 80% of cases show reversible punctate DWI lesions … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate amnesia: Antegrade amnesia – memory lapse that affects a specific time after the triggering event. Dissociative/psychogenic amnesia – form of amnesia that is limited to specific events only. Congrade amnesia – memory gap for a specific event. Lacunar amnesia – lack of memory for a specific event. Retrograde … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of amnesia (memory loss). Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Medical History
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Apoplexy (stroke) Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding within the skull; parenchymal, subarachnoid, sub- and epidural, and supra- and infratentorial hemorrhage)/intracerebral hemorrhage (ICB; cerebral hemorrhage) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Herpes encephalitis – inflammation of the brain caused by herpes viruses. Neurolues (synonym: neurosyphilis). Mouth, … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Neurological examination – including motor and sensory function testing[due todifferential diagnoses: Delir Epilepsy, severe Dementia (e.g., due toAlzheimer’s disease, hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism), multi-infarct dementia). Complex-partial seizures … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count [MCV ↑ → possible indication of alcohol dependence, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency] Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Fasting … Memory Loss (Amnesia): Test and Diagnosis