Transient global amnesia. Precipitating activities and other observations.
Impressed with the number of patients whose spells of transient global amnesia were triggered by special circumstances, I have reviewed 78 such cases. Precipitating events were reported in 26 of 85 spells: eight occurred during highly emotional experiences; seven, during sexual intercourse; six, while the patient was in pain; two, while a trigeminal ganglion was being stimulated; and three, during a dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean. These observations suggest an electrophysiologic disturbance. The characteristics of the amnesia, the organization of memory, and behavior during spells were also considered.
D000368:Aged; D000647:Amnesia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003075:Coitus; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors