Een 9-jarige jongen met plotseling geheugenverlies

Background

Transient global amnesia is a recognised phenomenon in adults. However in children it is rarely described. It is characterised by a sudden loss of memory in an otherwise healthy patient. What is striking is that other cognitive functions and neurological examination are normal.

Case description

A 9-year-old boy presented at the paediatric ward with acute onset retrograde and anterograde amnesia. He had no history of headache or other (neurological) symptoms. There were no known emotional or physical stressors. A general physical and neurological examination showed no abnormalities. The boy was hospitalised for observation overnight. The next day he was fully recovered.

Conclusion

Transient global amnesia may occur in childhood. Since patients recover spontaneously, watchful waiting is justified.

Conflict of interest: none declared. Financial support: none declared.