A Dive Into Oblivion: A Case of Transient Global Amnesia

TL;DR

A 58-year-old woman experienced sudden memory loss after diving in the ocean, consistent with transient global amnesia, a rare neurological condition.

Contribution

This case report adds to the limited understanding of transient global amnesia by describing a potential trigger related to diving.

Findings

The patient exhibited sudden memory loss and disorientation following an ocean dive.

Diagnosis of TGA was made based on clinical presentation and rapid recovery.

No structural brain abnormalities were found on imaging or lab tests.

Abstract

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is an uncommon neurologic disorder that consists of a sudden and temporary loss of memory, both present and past. Its causes and risk factors are not well known.

We describe a case of a 58-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset loss of memory and disorientation after a dive in the ocean. She presented memory deficits with incapacity to retain new memories and amnesia for the previous 24 hours. All exams ordered were normal, including computed tomography of the brain and laboratory analysis. After six hours of close monitoring in the ED, she gradually started to retain short-term memories and was discharged after 48 hours with no memory or other deficits.

The diagnosis of TGA was made based on the clinical presentation and the patient’s rapid improvement. Follow-up neurology consultation and further testing did not demonstrate any evidence to exclude this diagnosis.

Further research is needed on this topic to allow the identification of risk factors and causes to prevent it.