Have you heard of Transient Global Amnesia? Well, last Friday I had an episode of Transient Global Amnesia, or TGA as it is more commonly known. It lasted approximately two hours. And it obviously terrified me and frightened my family.
But I do not remember any of it.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Graham tells the story…
Friday 26th February began the way it often has done since we could enjoy lazy starts befitting a retired couple. Hot water with lemon and ginger delivered to Mrs. Smith in bed, along with her mobile phone and laptop, followed by a cup of tea. We read The Irish Times online.
Before you know it, it’s 10.00am and Hilda is ‘suggesting’ that I get on with the painting of the living room that I’ve been doing for the previous three days. I put on the work garb and head downstairs, leaving her, I think, to her morning ritual of a yoga session.
Forty-five minutes later and our morning changes dramatically when Hilda appears in the room I’m painting, looking and sounding distressed. She says she can’t remember what she’s been doing that morning, asks when we had decided to paint the walls blue (mutually agreed a week ago), doesn’t know what older daughter Kirstin does for a living, and is getting more agitated and frantic by the second. Now the tears are flowing and she’s panicking that she’s having a stroke and needs to go to hospital.
This is now seriously scary stuff.
My first efforts to calm her weren’t particularly successful. She asks the same questions multiple times, but my answers are clearly not registering as she keeps repeating the questions. A call to Kirstin and she’s here in 10 minutes and together we conduct the ‘spot the stroke’ protocol which she passes no problem. I call the ambulance and when it arrives 20 minutes later, Hilda walks into it with one paramedic while the other one asks me for details. My mind is put a little more at ease when he says that if it had been a stroke, they would have been carrying her to the vehicle rather than her walking independently.
MY RECOLLECTION OF THE MORNING
I remember getting dressed into my leggings and top and I think I did some yoga and back/pelvis exercises. But because I do them every morning, I cannot be sure that I actually did them that morning.
The next thing I remember is being in an ambulance, on my way to hospital.
TRANSIENT GLOBAL AMNESIA MEDICAL EXPLANATION
Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss, but it is not a stroke.
During an episode of TGA, your recall of recent events simply vanishes, so you can’t remember where you are or how you got there. In addition, you may not remember anything about what’s happening in the here and now. Consequently, you may keep repeating the same questions because you don’t remember the answers you’ve just been given.
The condition most often affects people in middle or older age. With TGA, you do remember who you are and you recognise the people you know well.
Episodes of TGA always improve gradually over a few hours. During recovery, you may slowly begin to remember events and circumstances. While it isn’t serious, it can still be frightening.
It is a benign condition that leaves no lasting effects except perhaps frustration over the missing memories. An episode typically lasts for one to eight hours, and most often resolves within a day.
WHO IS SUSCEPTIBLE?
The majority of people who experience TGA are between 50 and 70 years of age.
Seemingly if it happens to a man it is more often physical exertion, but with women it is more often associated with an emotional precipitant or a history of anxiety. (I am a worrier, but do not feel particularly anxious, well no more than anyone else in the current pandemic)
Both men and women with a history of migraine are believed to be more susceptible than others to a TGA episode. (I don’t suffer)
Those who experience TGA are NO more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack than people who have never had the condition.
THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF TGA?
- A sudden inability to form new memories.
- Loss of memories from a few hours or longer before the episode.
- Confusion: people know who they are and know their friends and family members, but may repeat questions about the time or date. Other complex mental tasks, such as the ability to drive a car or cook, are not affected.
In most cases, TGA episodes last 1 to 10 hours (6 hours is average). In rare cases, symptoms may persist for up to 24 hours.
You can see from Graham’s account that my symptoms are typical.
WHAT HAPPENED IN HOSPITAL?
I was rushed into triage at Beaumont Hospital. A TIA had not been ruled out, though a stroke was considered unlikely. Blood tests were taken and I was given a physical examination. In the next two hours, I had a chest X-Ray and a CT brain scan.
A visit from a doctor that evening confirmed that it was most likely I had an episode of TGA. My CT scan was clear. I must admit I was worried that I had a brain tumour and I was hoping it was treatable. I was kept in overnight and monitored, saw a neurologist the next morning and am awaiting an appointment for an MRI brain scan.
I was very well cared for by the doctors and nurses in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. So if you know anyone who works in A&E, please say thanks from me.
RESIDUAL EFFECTS
I slept 11 hours the night I came home from hospital. But unfortunately, since then I am having huge difficulty sleeping. I presume the experience has affected me on some subliminal level. So, I am exhausted. But hopefully I will get back to normal soon. You may remember I wrote about Graham’s health scare a few years ago, when he collapsed at home and I had to call an ambulance. We have agreed that we don’t need any more excitement like that!
If you have had a TGA or know someone who has, I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Hilda. It must have been frightening for all of you. Thankfully it was a benign episode and hopefully the last. Sending you lots of love as you continue to recover emotionally. Barbie xx
Barbie how kind of you to comment. Thank you xxx
Gosh, how terrifying! I read the title and actually thought this would be a humorous piece about missing international travel! So glad you’re ok, aside from the exhaustion and sleep disruption – hope that improves soon. I’m very glad to know about this should it occur with any of my family. Best wishes to you!
My daughters said..the lengths you will go to for an interesting blog post….
Oh my goodness Hilda, how terrifying for all of you. I really hope you get back to normal soon and manage to get some much needed sleep. Sending hugs and good wishes. XX
Ah thanks Lyne. Best possible outcome. I did not think I was stressed….
Get better soon Hilda x
Thanks Angela xx
Oh how scary Hilda! I’m glad you’re ok and that it was nothing serious. I lost my memory for a few hours as a child following a fall, it was certainly a very weird experience. Take care of yourself.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks Emma. I will do xx
Oh Hilda that must have been so frightening. I’ve never heard of TGA so thanks for raising awareness of it. Hope your sleep improves soon x
I slept last night. It must have been anxiety following the attack. I don’t think I suffer but I obviously do. Thanks xxx
OH MY GOSH HILDA!
NO I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BUT WILL ASK AROUND!
YOU NEEDED TO SLEEP……………
TAKE A HOT BATH BEFORE BED TONIGHT THAT ALWAYS HELPS ME SLEEP DEEPER.
WE ARE NOT READY FOR ALL OF THIS…………LADY WINDERMERE AND TSA BE GONE!!!!
XXX
I just had a lovely warm bath. Must be just residual anxiety, because I usually sleep well. I hope you are doing ok. It was best possible outcome. I was convinced when a stroke had been ruled out that I had a brain tumour. Luckily I knew that evening that it was neither. MRI will be another check that all in brain ok. xx
This sounds terrifying Hilda. I’ve never heard of this before either. I hope you can relax from the whole episode and put it all behind you. xx
Yes I am moving on. When I get my MRI brain scan I can forget about it.. Thanks Laurie xx
Hilda,
I am so happy that you are doing well but this was so frightening!
I can’t believe that we’re now talking about trips to the hospital!
We’re the 60 who’s the over 40 crowd!
Robin. I think I thought I was invincible. But it could have been so much worse. xxx
Gosh, I’ve never heard of this, and how scary Hilda. I’m glad you’re okay, and you two definitely are due for some boring days ahead, I think.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I thought we were chilled. Boring sounds good. Guess I have been worrying underneath my placid exterior!
Hilda
I had my TGA on Dec 1st while looking after my 3 grandchildren. I had taken the 2 older ones, 4 & 7 to school. They told me later I was crying the whole time. A neighbour helped me home with the 20 month old and called an ambulance. The first thing I noticed was I stopped dreaming and sleep is very difficult and no meds have worked so far. I am told to be patient.
Oh Elizabeth, I feel for you. That is what worries me the most. We look after our grandchildren a lot too. I am going to e mail you.
Oh my goodness, Hilda! I am so glad you are ok! Thank you so much for sharing this post, and I hope you are able to mend quickly and get good rest. Saying a prayer of thanks that you are ok and for no more health issues!
Amy I pride my self on being fit and healthy. Just shows me that I cannot take anything for granted. Thanks friend x
Sadly we cannot take anything for granted. Those who take good care can fall at the last fence and those who smoke, eat and drink badly etc…..live to ripe old age. It’s just not fair! That all sounded like a very scary episode, one I had not heard of. Sounds like you have had a good checkup now and the MRI will just back up that you’re fine. Great that you were not alone at the time. This pandemic has us all crawling up the walls, stressed, depressed and thoroughly fed up. Not much longer, vaccines will free us up to move and visit a bit. Keep strong!
Thanks Jackie. Yes I agree. We need to appreciate every moment. I am lucky in that it could have been something far more serious. xx
Hilda, I’m so sorry to hear about your recent health issues. I also suffer from anxiety and I can understand with your recent health issue, how you might have trouble sleeping. I pray you have a full recovery and that all your worries will ease. xx
Thanks Christina xxx
Gee Hilda! What a scary experience! I’m so glad you are allright now, except from the sleeping. And luckily you were not alone at home.
Thanks Nancy. I was indeed lucky. And it rarely happens a second time. xx
Hi Hilda
Sending you love & best wishes for a speedy return to normal after your frightening incident.
Bev & Peter
Thanks guys. Was scary but I slept better last night. So hope that continues, xx
What a nightmare for you. I’ve never heard of the condition before but am reassured to hear that it’s a short-term episode. I can understand that it’s affecting your sleep as that’s when we process our thoughts. I’m pleased to hear that you’re better. Take care,
Anna xxx
Thanks Anna xx
Gosh, that all sounds so terrifying, Hilda. I’m just glad you’re ok. I’ve never heard of TGA before so thank you for sharing your experience with us. It’s good to learn about these things. I’m sorry it’s affected your sleep though. Have you tried meditating?
Big hugs
Suzy xx
I have just been sent a 15 minute meditation app which I will try. I will get back to my yin yoga too…. Thanks Suzy x
Hey, I am so sorry to hear about these issues. But I am so glad you are ok. Best wishes for a speedy return to normal.
Love and care
Mariann Yip
Oh Hilda I hope you are feeling better. I have never heard of this. Thank you for sharing your story. Life seems like a mind field at times. Take good care hon.
Peace!
Cheryl
southwesterndesertliving.com
Thanks Cheryl xxx
Oh my gosh, Hilda!!! What a scary experience! I have never heard of this before. Thank you for sharing this. I am thinking of you and Graham and hope you get some much-needed sleep. Wow….just wow!
Thanks Mireille x
I had never heard of this before: it sure would be a frightening experience! Hope you get back to 100% soon.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hilda, what an ordeal you suffered, I am so happy you got through the whole episode so well and your MRI scan will be clear, rest up and be safe Alacoque Halpin
Hi Alacoque. Thanks for our lovely message. Hope you are keeping well . I hope you are playing online bridge. xx
Oh Hilda; What a scary experience! Thank you for sharing your story and I’m going to share on my page, as well. I remember your experience with your husband. I also had an experience with mine a couple years ago and it definitely taught us that life and good health is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. Rest up and hope you have your energy back soon. Wow!
xo Melanie
Thanks Melanie. Yes enjoy every moment. Anyway though it was scary it was the best possible outcome xx
Oh my gosh Hilda! That sounds so scary! I have never heard of this before. I’m glad for you that it wasn’t a stroke or something more permanent. Hopefully, you return to being able to sleep well and through the night!
Thanks Julie. Sleep has returned. Though I still have little energy. x
That is really scary. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hopefully it might help someone else…thanks for reading.
Hi. I had one on 2/21/21. There is a Facebook page for us. It has been most helpful.
Bonnie I did not know that. Thank you. I will try to find it. I will be doing a follow up post. So I am trying to find as much info as I can.
It was good to hear your story. I have had 2 episodes of TGA and can relate to everything you have written, it is very scary and leaves you feeling very emotional and tired and lots of anxiety on whether it will happen again. Ido not want a 3rd episode.
Maureen. Thank you so much for reading. Yes I was left feeling very tired too. I am trying to find out as much as I can and will do a follow up post in a few weeks. I will e mail you separately.
Thank you for educating us on this issue. Never heard of it! I was beginning to feel panic while reading it. Great that you are feeling better.
Hi Angela. Hope you are well. Thanks for reading. I will be doing a follow up in a few weeks as I have learned so much more about it…