Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) and Headaches: What You Need to Know

Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) is sudden, temporary anterograde amnesia (cannot form new memories) lasting <24 hours (typically 4–6 hours).

Associated Symptoms

• Repetitive questioning (classic).
• Disorientation to time/place.
• Headache: Occurs in 15–25% of cases; usually mild-moderate, resolves in hours.
• Nausea, anxiety.
• No focal neurological deficits.

Triggers

• Cold water immersion, strenuous exercise, emotional stress, Valsalva, sexual activity.

Diagnosis & Prognosis

• Clinical diagnosis (exclude stroke, seizure, TBI, toxic/metabolic).
• MRI may show transient hippocampal punctate lesions (delayed).
• Recurrence rate: 5–25%.
• No increased stroke/dementia risk.
• Benign, self-limited; reassurance is mainstay.

Seek immediate evaluation for first episode to rule out emergencies.