Diagnosis methods for amnesia

Patients who experience unexplained memory loss should see a physician, who may perform a complete physical and mental examination and compile a thorough medical history. A physician who suspects amnesia may ask some of the following questions:

• Has the patient suffered a head injury or emotional trauma?
  
  
• Has the patient undergone recent surgery?
  
  
• Does the patient use alcohol or drugs?
  
  
• Can the patient remember recent events or events from their past?
  
  
• Does memory loss pertain to events prior to a specific experience?
  
  
• Does memory loss pertain to events after a specific experience?
  
  
• Has memory loss gotten worse over time?
  
  
• Is memory loss present at all times or only during distinct periods?
  
  
• What other symptoms are present?

Other tests may be used to rule out other mental disorders. If amnesia is suspected, the patient will likely undergo a neurological examination and diagnostic tests. These tests can reveal damage in the brain that might be the source of the amnesia. Tests may include:

• Cerebral angiography. A test in which contrast dye is injected into one or both of the carotid or vertebral arteries in the neck. This allows arteries to be seen on x-rays.
  
  
• CAT (computed axial tomography) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head. A CAT scan is a more sensitive imaging technique than a standard X-ray that provides high-definition images of bony structures and soft tissues. An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the body.
  
  
• Electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG detects abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain.
  Lumbar puncture. A procedure in which cerebrospinal fluid is obtained to check for the presence of disease or injury.
  
  
• Psychological testing.
  
  
• Blood testing.

In addition, the patient may undergo testing of recent, intermediate and long-term memory.