Laboratory Studies

Lab studies may include the following:

CBC count with differential
Electrolyte panel

When a patient initially presents with transient global amnesia, stroke must be ruled out. This can be done using screening clotting tests, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial throboplastin time (aPTT), and INR.

Brain MRI and/or CT scan

Any patient presenting with features of transient global amnesia should receive an imaging test to rule out a stroke possibility, especially if significant risk factors are present.

MRI with DWI can readily demonstrate acute ischemic changes early and guide management. In one study, higher resolution DWI imaging increased detection of hippocampal lesions in 27 patients with transient global amnesia, from 11 with standard resolution MRI to 22 with high resolution MRI.^[19]If an MRI cannot be obtained readily, then at least a CT scan should be done initially if the patient is presenting to an emergency department.

ECG, EEG

These tests are important if the diagnosis of TGA is in doubt. If symptoms have occurred more than once, then at least a routine EEG should be done to help investigate a seizure possibility by demonstrating any interictal activity.

Treatment & Management

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Author

Roy Sucholeiki, MD Director, Comprehensive Seizure and Epilepsy Program, The Neurosciences Institute at Central DuPage Hospital

Roy Sucholeiki, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Neuropsychiatric Association, American Epilepsy Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

Howard S Kirshner, MD Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vice Chairman, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Director, Vanderbilt Stroke Center; Program Director, Stroke Service, Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital; Consulting Staff, Department of Neurology, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Howard S Kirshner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Neurological Association, American Society of Neurorehabilitation, American Academy of Neurology, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, National Stroke Association, Phi Beta Kappa, Tennessee Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Helmi L Lutsep, MD Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine; Associate Director, OHSU Stroke Center

Helmi L Lutsep, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Stroke Association

Disclosure: Medscape Neurology Editorial Advisory Board for: Stroke Adjudication Committee, CREST2; Physician Advisory Board for Coherex Medical; National Leader and Steering Committee Clinical Trial, Bristol Myers Squibb; Abbott Laboratories, advisory group.

Additional Contributors

Carmel Armon, MD, MSc, MHS Chair, Department of Neurology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Israel

Carmel Armon, MD, MSc, MHS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American College of Physicians, American Epilepsy Society, American Medical Association, American Neurological Association, American Stroke Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

Disclosure: Received research grant from: Neuronix Ltd, Yoqnea'm, Israel<br/>Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: JNS - Associate Editor. UpToDate - Author Royalties.