Updated

Updated · Katie Couric Media · Jul 7

Neurologist Says TGA Usually Resolves Within 24 Hours as Cold Water Can Trigger Episodes

Updated

Updated · Katie Couric Media · Jul 7

Neurologist Says TGA Usually Resolves Within 24 Hours as Cold Water Can Trigger Episodes

Q: Could your trendy cold plunge therapy suddenly erase your short-term memory?

Yes—cold plunge therapy can, in rare cases, trigger a sudden temporary memory disorder called transient global amnesia, or TGA. Neurologists say abrupt immersion in cold water is one of several recognized stress-related triggers for TGA, alongside heavy exertion, pain, emotional shock, coughing, straining and sexual activity. The condition is uncommon, affecting an estimated 3 to 10 people per 100,000 each year, and it is seen most often in adults ages 50 to 80. A history of migraines may raise the risk. During an episode, the person stays awake, knows who they are, and recognizes loved ones, but cannot form new memories for a period of time. A classic sign is repeatedly asking the same questions because the answers are immediately forgotten. Episodes usually last a few hours and almost always clear within 24 hours, leaving only a blank spot in memory for the event itself. Experts believe TGA reflects a temporary disruption in the hippocampus, the brain region central to memory. It is generally considered benign, and most people recover fully with no added risk of dementia or stroke. Still, sudden memory loss should always be treated as a medical emergency. TGA can resemble stroke, seizure or a transient ischemic attack, and only a medical evaluation can rule those out. If someone suddenly becomes confused or cannot retain new information after a cold plunge, call emergency services right away and keep the person calm and reassured while waiting for help.

3 articles · Updated · Katie Couric Media · Jul 7

Transient global amnesia causes a sudden, temporary inability to form new memories, with patients often repeating the same questions while staying awake, conversational and able to recognize loved ones.
Within 24 hours, the episode usually resolves completely, leaving only a memory gap; Perlmutter said the hippocampus appears to temporarily stop functioning normally without lasting damage in most cases.
Cold-water immersion, vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, emotional shock, pain, sexual activity, coughing and straining are among the stress-related triggers linked to TGA episodes.
Stroke remains the key immediate concern because sudden memory loss can overlap with more serious conditions, so Perlmutter said people should call emergency services rather than try to diagnose TGA themselves.
Most patients have just 1 lifetime episode, and studies generally do not show higher long-term risks of dementia or stroke after confirmed TGA.