Amnesia natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S[2]

Amnesia may progress slowly or suddenly, and maybe transient or permanent. The natural history and prognosis depends upon the underlying etiology. Patients with memory loss could suffer from depression and grief long term. Quality of life and activities of daily living are difficult to maintain which causes decreased socialization and a decline in cognitive functions in the elderly.

• Amnesia may progress slowly or suddenly, and maybe transient or permanent. The natural history and prognosis depends upon the underlying cause.
• Without treatment Korsakoff’s syndrome can cause mental disability with permanent memory loss, apathy, confabulation.^[1]

• Patients with memory loss could suffer from depression and grief long term.^[2]
• Quality of life and activities of daily living are difficult to maintain which causes decreased socialization and a decline in cognitive functions in the elderly.^[3]
• Repeated episodes of transient global amnesia can result in long lasting loss of memory.^[4]

• In patients with post traumatic amnesia, the extent of injury and duration of loss of consciousness are important prognostic factors in determining the severity of amnesia. ^[5]
• Dissociative fugue could last from days to months and once recovery occurs it is rapid and complete. Some refractory cases have been observed but usually it is just one episode.^[2]
• If Korsakoff’s syndrome is detected early and treatment optimally it can be reversed to some extent and can prevent further brain and nerve damage.^[1]

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