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What Causes Short Term Memory Loss With A History Of MS?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016

Question: MY BROTHER IS 43 YEARS OLD AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH MS AT THE AGE OF 22. HE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS AND WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR IT 2 WEEKS AGO. THEY RAN ALL THE BLOODWORK EEG, CT SCANS, MRI'S AND OTHER MULTIPLE TESTS AT ALLEGHENY GENERAL HOSPITAL IN XXXXXXX PA. HOWEVER, AS OF TODAY THERE IS NO IMPROVEMENT AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH HIS NEUROLOGIST. WE LEFT A MESSAGE BUT IT STATES THEY WILL GET BACK TO US IN 2 DAYS. CAN YOU TELL ME IF YOU HAVE EVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS WITH MS AND WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE DO

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cognitive impairment in MS is a known issue.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Cognitive impairment including memory problems is a well known issue in patients diagnosed with MS.

Cognitive impairment in patients with MS can be evaluated by neuropsychological tests such Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis.

The best thing to do is to control the disease (MS) from progressing in order to stop cognitive impairment too.

About short memory problems improvement your brother can use organizational tools such pocket notebook to write down things he needs to remember.

Brain games such online ones may help strengthen the memory.

Use of vitamins B group as supplement also should help in this case.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

After all the tests were completed, the doctors determined he had transient global amnesia..and his MS was not a factor...we were told it could last up to a few months....however all information we were able to find suggest by definition this condition only lasts up to 24 hours....his symptoms fit, ie. asking the same questions over and over and his memory span is only minutes.....he travels state to state for work and it was during his last trip to a work site that this happened, he continues to suggest he needs to go to work.....after two weeks he has not improved at all. we were wondering if in fact it is common for this condition to last as long as suggested or could there be some other underlying issue....we have complete faith in the medical professionals, but can't help but wonder if something was possibly missed . thank you for your input

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Transient global amnesia doesn't last that long.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Transient global amnesia doesn't last that long, by name and by definition symptoms should resolve within 24 hours.

Also by definition, transient global amnesia is diagnosed after a sudden episode of memory loss that can't be attributed to other neurological conditions.

So, I doubt it was just transient global amnesia.

Minimal assessment cognitive function in multiple sclerosis test should be done in my opinion.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T