What makes amnesia

Possible causes of neurological amnesia include:. The most common cause of functional amnesia is emotional trauma. Functional amnesia usually also causes retrograde amnesia and doesn't affect the formation of future memories.

However, in severe cases, patients with functional trauma can forget who they are. The type of amnesia a person has will determine the kind of care they will receive. Many patients with amnesia start by talking to their regular healthcare provider.

Patients may also see a psychotherapist or a neurologist a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system. In many cases, amnesia is not preventable. However, research shows that there are several ways you can keep your mind sharp as you age that could prevent age-related memory loss, such as:.

Brain damage can cause amnesia. Therefore, protecting your brain can help to prevent amnesia associated with brain trauma.

Amnesia caused by a neurological disease or infection requires treatment for the underlying medical cause of amnesia. Therapy for neurological amnesia can take time, and in some cases, memories may never return. If you or a loved one has amnesia due to a neurological condition, talk to your healthcare provider about what types of therapy can help you manage your amnesia.

Since most functional amnesia results from emotional trauma, healthcare providers may recommend finding a way to deal with those traumatic events safely, which can include therapy. The best therapy approach will depend on the patient and what is causing the amnesia. Some treatments available include:. Amnesia can be a frightening and confusing experience that can lead to anger, anxiety, and depression. Isolating oneself can make this worse.

A strong support system of family, friends, and healthcare professionals can help make the experience less stressful. Amnesia is a memory disorder that can affect the ability to remember old memories retrograde amnesia and the ability to form new memories anterograde amnesia. Several factors can contribute to this memory loss, such as physical injury, infection, or emotional trauma.

The reality is that amnesia is not fully understood. There is no timeline, and each patient's circumstances are unique.

There are no guarantees if or when memory will return, and in the meantime, amnesia can be a real threat to a person's life and loved ones. Many researchers emphasize the importance of active treatments that help stimulate the mind, working with specialists, and having a strong support system.

If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from memory loss, talk to your healthcare provider about a diagnosis and treatment plan. The two most common types of amnesia are retrograde amnesia, which is the inability to remember old memories, and anterograde amnesia, which is the inability to make new memories. Sudden memory loss is not normal, and it is essential to get help.

Someone suffering from sudden memory loss may be confused and may not understand what is happening. If you or someone you love has sudden memory loss, call your healthcare provider or take them to the emergency room. Patients with amnesia caused by emotional trauma might work with a therapist to talk about the trauma and help them process their experience.

Amnesia affects brain structures that control emotions and memories and often include the thalamus and the hippocampus. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Cleveland Clinic. Updated July 29, Allen RJ. Damage to brain structures that form the limbic system, such as the hippocampus and thalamus, can lead to amnesia — the limbic system controls our emotions and memories. Any intolerable life situation that causes severe psychological stress and internal conflict can lead to some degree of amnesia.

Psychological stressors are more likely to disrupt personal, historical memories rather than interfere with laying down new memories. They will take a detailed medical history, which may be difficult if the patient does not remember. Family members or caregivers may need to be present. The memory assessment will help determine the extent of memory loss.

This will help find the best treatment. In most cases, amnesia resolves itself without treatment. However, if an underlying physical or mental disorder is present, treatment may be necessary. Psychotherapy can help some patients. Hypnosis can be an effective way of recalling memories that have been forgotten. For example, a person who has suffered a traumatic event may benefit from sedation, plenty of love and care, and perhaps psychiatric treatment.

Concussion needs rest, once complications have been ruled out. If alcoholism is the cause, then abstinence, emotional support and addressing dietary deficiencies are recommended. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, a range of new medications that enhance the cholinergic function of the brain are now available; however, nursing homes or other extended care options may eventually be needed as the person becomes less able to look after themselves.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. The long-term effects of brain injury will be different for each person and can range from mild to profound. A person with alcohol related brain impairment ARBI might experience problems with coordination, thinking, planning and memory. If a person with alcohol related brain impairment is aware of their memory limits, they can learn how to deal with them. People with alcohol related brain impairment benefit when their life is organised and follows a good structure.

Epilepsy is the world's most common serious brain disorder and is characterised by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

Most seizures are spontaneous and brief yet self-limiting and can involve loss of consciousness, a range of unusual movements, odd feelings and sensations or changed behaviour. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

Amnesia isn't the same as dementia. Dementia often includes memory loss, but it also involves other significant cognitive problems that lead to a decline in daily functioning. A pattern of forgetfulness is also a common symptom of mild cognitive impairment MCI , but the memory and other cognitive problems in MCI aren't as severe as those experienced in dementia.

Anyone who experiences unexplained memory loss, head injury, confusion or disorientation requires immediate medical attention. A person with amnesia may not be able to identify his or her location or have the presence of mind to seek medical care. If someone you know has symptoms of amnesia, help the person get medical attention.

Normal memory function involves many parts of the brain. Any disease or injury that affects the brain can interfere with memory. Amnesia can result from damage to brain structures that form the limbic system, which controls your emotions and memories. These structures include the thalamus, which lies deep within the center of your brain, and the hippocampal formations, which are situated within the temporal lobes of your brain.

Amnesia caused by brain injury or damage is known as neurological amnesia. Possible causes of neurological amnesia include:. Head injuries that cause a concussion, whether from a car accident or sports, can lead to confusion and problems remembering new information.

This is especially common in the early stages of recovery. Mild head injuries typically do not cause lasting amnesia, but more-severe head injuries may cause permanent amnesia. Another rare type of amnesia, called dissociative psychogenic amnesia, stems from emotional shock or trauma, such as being the victim of a violent crime.