Seeking Memory Loss Treatment
Memory loss treatment is important in the case of memory loss or amnesia. Amnesia is a serious type of memory loss so memory loss treatment must be sought as soon as possible. Amnesia can seriously affect daily life.
An amnesiac, or person who suffers from memory loss, who has only the symptom of memory loss may realize that their memory has been affected despite not having any inkling of that which has been forgotten. Despite having lost the memories that are intertwined with the senses, amnesiacs are usually lucid and have self-awareness despite the memory loss.
Brain Injury Is A Common Cause Of Memory Loss
The most common cause of amnesia is an injury to the brain. The brain is the physical storage place for memories. Our brain works with memories according to whether the brain has to retrieve, store or process memories. Our brain uses different areas of the brain for these different systems. The location of a change in the brain will determine the type of memory loss that is present.
The health of our brain can affect our memories. Several types of injuries can cause enough brain cell damage to trigger memory loss. Brain injury is caused by alcoholism, drug abuse, infection, low blood flow, disease, physical trauma and some medical conditions.
Low Blood Flow To The Brain
Low blood flow to the brain can be caused by strokes. Some research suggests that migraine headaches may also be associated with low blood flow to the brain. The presence of amnesia or memory loss can indicate neurodegenerative disease.
Three Main Types Of Amnesia
The three recognized amnesia types are anterograde, retrograde and transient global amnesia. Anterograde amnesia means that the patient is unable to hold onto new information. The patient can usually remember the events before the injury to the brain occurred.
Retrograde amnesia is the term used for when a patient cannot recall information that was stored before the injury and instead, only remembers information stored after the injury. Transient global amnesia means that for a short time, the patient experiences amnesia, and sometimes retrograde amnesia.
Treating Memory Loss
Memory loss treatment can begin after a correct diagnosis has been made. Treatment for amnesia can take the form of timely treatment for injury, fighting infections and otherwise treating the condition that causes the memory loss.
When possible, it is important that patients disclose any factors that may contribute to the occurrence of amnesia. When making a diagnosis for correct memory loss treatment, a doctor will need any information concerning injuries, illness, medications, use of alcohol and drugs usage. When the underlying cause for memory loss is discovered, memory loss treatment can begin.