Transient global amnesia: an uncommon presentation of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an acute neurological syndrome characterized by sudden-onset global (anterograde and retrograde) amnesia, without compromising other neurological functions. This clinical condition lasts up to 24 h with whole restoration. Several causes have been proposed as responsible for it. Among these, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was reported as a rare cause of TGA. Sympathetic hyperactivity occurring too early in AMI seems to induce vasospasm, responsible for venous cerebral congestion acting on hippocampal and temporal structures and consequent memory loss. A rare case of TGA as precocious display of subsequent AMI was described.

Keywords

• Transient global amnesia
• hippocampus
• memory loss
• acute myocardial infarction
• sympathetic hyperactivity.