Is amnesia real? The common types and causes of amnesia

You’ve probably seen depictions of amnesia in TV or movies. Typically, a character experiences complete memory loss after an accident or traumatic event. They don’t know who they are, and they don’t recognize their loved ones. Technically speaking, these portrayals aren’t totally inaccurate. Amnesia is a real phenomenon that happens when a person experiences sudden memory loss. Or it may involve an inability to retain new memories. However, most of these portrayals fail to acknowledge the many nuances of this diagnosis. 

Is amnesia real?

Simply put, yes! Amnesia is very real. But it’s also widely misunderstood. This may be due, in part, to how rarely amnesia occurs on its own. Most of the time, amnesia stems from a neurological event like a stroke, an injury, or exposure to a traumatic event. But for the most part, despite what you’ve seen in the movies, it does not usually involve forgetting your identity. 

The two most common forms of amnesia are anterograde amnesia and retrograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia causes a loss of past memories. People with anterograde amnesia can recall things from their past but can’t form or retain new memories. Depending on the person and their situation, these symptoms can be either temporary or permanent.

What is amnesia?

People with amnesia have trouble recalling past events and experiences. They may also have trouble learning and retaining new information. Amnesia can stem from many causes. But we know that it often happens because of damage to the area of the brain that’s responsible for memory processing. 

While some amnesia is permanent, some people can experience a temporary episode of memory loss called transient global amnesia (TGA). TGA usually resolves within 24 hours and does not cause long-term issues with memory loss. However, TGA is not the same as normal forgetfulness. 

What causes amnesia?

Amnesia is typically caused by certain biological, psychological, and environmental concerns, including:

• Stroke
• Loss of oxygen to the brain
• Severe head injuries like concussions
• Seizures
• Certain types of brain tumors
• Long-term unhealthy alcohol use
• Inflammation in the brain due to infections, viruses, cancer, or various autoimmune reactions
• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Sedative medications like benzodiazepines 

Rather than stemming from injury, illness, or medication, there is another form of amnesia that is the result of experiencing trauma. This is called dissociative amnesia, and it’s rarer than other forms of amnesia. It can come from things like being the survivor of a violent crime, experiencing sudden loss or emotional shock, or living through a war or natural disaster. However, the memory loss caused by dissociative amnesia is usually brief.

Risk factors and prevention

Some things that cause amnesia, like exposure to traumatic events, are impossible to prevent. But because amnesia is often the result of injury to the brain, there are some lifestyle choices and preventative measures that may reduce your risk.

• Know the signs of a stroke, and seek immediate medical attention if you have any of them. These typically include having a severe headache, numbness on one side of your body, or a loss of mobility on one side of the body. (The signs of a stroke can be different in men and women. Women more commonly experience generalized weakness, fatigue, disorientation, and a change in mental state.)

• Take basic safety precautions, like wearing a seatbelt in your car or a helmet when on a bike or motorcycle.

• Avoid binge drinking alcohol.

• Seek medical treatment for infections, since some of them can travel into the brain.

How to help someone with amnesia

Often, a family member or friend will notice signs of memory loss in a loved one first. So if you begin to notice symptoms of amnesia in someone you care about, know that there are things you can do to support them.

• Get a medical evaluation. First and foremost, encourage your loved one to have a medical evaluation. While there is no specific treatment for amnesia alone, addressing the underlying cause can help.
• Be patient. Remember that this experience is likely very scary and frustrating for the affected person, so be patient with them. Do your best to create a safe and supportive environment.
• Use memory aids. Use basic reminders and memory aids like sticky notes, calendars, alarms, lists, etc.
• Don’t take it personally. Don’t take it personally if your loved one can’t recall something important to you. Remember that this isn’t intentional.
• Seek professional support. In addition to seeking medical help, encourage your loved one to talk to a mental health professional. Memory loss is emotionally difficult, and working with a therapist can help your loved one develop healthy coping tools. 

Find a therapist with Rula

Throughout our lives, we catalog our experiences as memories. Some are painful, some are joyful, and some are a bit of both. But each one is an important part of our story. Losing the ability to recall these memories or make new ones can be an incredibly challenging experience. This can cause feelings of anger, frustration, fear, grief, and embarrassment. 

So if you or someone you care about is living with amnesia, know that it’s okay to ask for help. At Rula, we can connect you with a therapist who understands how memory loss can impact your mental health. Using our therapist-matching program, you can select a provider who takes your insurance and can meet with you as early as this week. And you’ll get to meet with your therapist from the comfort of your home.

Find a therapist with Rula