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Can A Staph Infecion Cause A Memory Loss?

Posted on Thu, 1 Nov 2012

Question: Can a Staph Infecion cause a memory loss?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (40 minutes later)

Hi there.
If by staph infection, you are referring to an infection of the brain & or an infective embolus lodging itself in the brain & causing functional memory loss...it is a theoretical possibility. You will have to be a bit more specific am afraid & give me some sort of history & background from where this question stems?
Cheers & Godspeed!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (22 hours later)

I have a situation with a loved one who has a skin staph infection which she claims to be causing a memory loss, it is my suspicion that the memory problems are coming from a substance abuse issue which she is trying to cover up by claiming her staph infection is the cause, we are trying to get her help on the abuse issue which she is in complete denial about.(combination of being on Aderall, drinking and smoking, not sure if anything illegal is involved yet)

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (1 hour later)

Hi there.
Understand where you are going with this!! Staph infection leading to emboli are reportedly more prevalent with intravenous drug users. With your description of suspect items, yes it is more likely to be denial or projection & pushing the blame onto staph. You will ideally require the services of a good pyschiatrist to aid both issues. Cheers & wish both you & your loved one all the best!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar