Re: memory difficulties

Posted By CCF neuro MD MM on November 28, 1998 at 14:40:57:

In Reply to: memory difficulties posted by Debi  on November 28, 1998 at 14:26:10:






I am 33 years old and been having difficulties remembering things for some time but it seems to have gotten worse to the point where it causes problems for me at work and in graduate school, my family notices it but it hasn't caused major problems. Generally, I forget what has been said to the point that I won't even remember the entire part of the conversation. However, if I am reminded of the conversation I will remember it. I also forget things that I am going to do if I don't constantly write things down. Like I stated earlier, it is getting worse and it is causing a lot of problems. I have complex partial seizures (they have been under control for over a year) and I had a pituitary tumor in the past (5 years ago). Is this anything to be concerned about? What could be the possible causes? What can I do about it? Thank you.
Debi
        




It is unlikely that the pituitary tumor has much to do with your memory problems but there is likely to be a link with the complex partial seizures. These seizures usually origionate in the temporal lobes, which is where memory function is located, any dysfunction in the temporal lobes is likely to affect memory.
You mention that you have not had any seizures recently , however I would be concerned that you are having subclinical seizure activity, which is not causing visible seizurees but is compromising temporal lobe function sufficiently to affect your memory.
The best way to assess this would be by means of an EEG and you might also benefit from referral to a neuropsychologist for both a baseline assessment of your current memory capability and advice on how to optimise
strategies to help your memory function.