Katie Couric Shares Temporary Amnesia Scare: Know the Signs of Stroke and When to Get Help

When TV journalist Katie Couric recently shared that she had a sudden episode of temporary amnesia, many people wondered if it was a stroke. Doctors later diagnosed her with transient global amnesia (TGA), a rare condition that causes sudden memory loss for a short time. While TGA is different from a stroke, the symptoms can look similar at first.

What’s Transient Global Amnesia (TGA)?

TGA is a sudden loss of short-term memory. A person with TGA may not remember recent events and may ask the same questions repeatedly. They’re awake, alert, and know who they are, but they can’t make new memories for a few hours. Most people recover within 24 hours, and TGA doesn’t usually cause long-term brain damage. Even so, doctors can’t tell if it’s TGA without first ruling out more serious problems, including a stroke.

What’s a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Fast treatment can save brain tissue and improve recovery. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly.

Know the Warning Signs of Stroke: BE FAST

Don’t delay and call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

• B = Sudden loss of balance.
• E= Sudden eye (vision) changes.
• F= Sudden face drooping or twisting.
• A= Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
• S= Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• T= Time to call 911

Katie Couric’s experience is a reminder that sudden changes in memory should never be ignored. While her diagnosis wasn’t a stroke, the symptoms were serious enough to need immediate medical care. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 right away. To learn more about our stroke services, visit https://rehabilitation.jacksonhealth.org/services/stroke-rehabilitation/.

Image credit: Joella Marano from Manhattan, NY, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons