Amnesia

This word literally means ‘no memory’, but for medical purposes it is used to mean a temporary loss of memory.

What to look for

Symptoms for Amnesia include the following:-

• confusion,

• inability to recall current location

• do not know who familiar people are

• a severe hit to the head area can cause post-traumatic amnesia. This type of blow is called ‘concussion’ and the characteristic of this is that the person cannot recall the actual impact to the head. They will however, usually recover and be able to recall the events leading up to the event and after.

• physical illnesses can stop recall of memories

• sudden emotional shock or terrible stress

Traditional Treatment

• Rest

• A mild sedative

• Usually treatment of a person with amnesia is difficult.

• Counselling or psychiatric assessment is needed