Abstract
Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) may be suspected in patients meeting all of the following criteria: 1) History of recurrent witnessed episodes of transient amnesia; 2) Cognitive functions, excluding memory, judged to be intact during typical episodes by a reliable witness; 3) Documented epilepsy. However, patients who lack a documented diagnosis of epilepsy, may meet the two previous criteria. Such rare and atypical cases, as the one described below, require high clinical suspicion for epilepsy, as well as TEA. Here we describe a rather intriguing case of TEA.
Highlights
XY is a 61 year-old caucasian male brought to emergency room with chief complaint of confusion
In ER, patient maintained ability to recall his name, address, and current events but was unable to answer any questions addressing date and time, or the reason behind seeking medical attention. He did not appear bothered by this at all and kept on asking where was he and why was he in the hospital. He showed no physical evidence of possible stroke and all other neurologic exams were negative
Despite repeated reorientation attempts for the following 2 days and essentially normal neurologic exams, patient remained confused in regards to date and time
Summary
XY is a 61 year-old caucasian male brought to emergency room with chief complaint of confusion. In ER, patient maintained ability to recall his name, address, and current events but was unable to answer any questions addressing date and time (including date of birth), or the reason behind seeking medical attention. He did not appear bothered by this at all and kept on asking where was he and why was he in the hospital. Despite repeated reorientation attempts for the following 2 days and essentially normal neurologic exams, patient remained confused in regards to date and time. The patient was discharged home with follow up with neurology scheduled
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