Sudden Memory Loss

[hesketh7085]

Hey guys,

Wonder if you can help me. Last night my girlfriend and I were arguing over something personal I was keeping from her, and despite me telling her I was uncomfortable discussing it, she effectively emotionally blackmailed it out of me and turned me into a wreck for the rest of the night, realising that I now know no innocent thing that not one person in the whole world doesn't know about. (Don't pry, but believe me when I say it was harmless to anything. Was just 'my little secret' and I really hope she feels it was worth dragging out of me; which I doubt.)

Anyway, that's the background. She's woken up this morning and told me she could only sleep for an hour last night, and suddenly has no memory of what high school she went to or who her friends were back then; she also says she can't remember what time she's to leave work today.

Could this temporary memory loss just simply be the result of stress and lack of sleep, or are we looking at something else?

[hesketh7085]

Okay she's read my message about people she knew, and she recognises the names but not the faces. I'm sure if I show her some photos she'll soon remember and be back to normal.

When I myself get back from work I'll make sure she knows more about them than just names/photos; things like what they've done/fun times she's had with them. Just to be sure.

[hesketh7085]

I've left her a personal message on a forum she posts on for her to read when she arrives home from work giving some details on her old school and friends. She says on the way home from work her mother mentioned her old high school, and it 'clicked'; whether that means she remembers anything else about it I don't know.

I'll let you know more when I know more - If it did happen again, or if this doesn't resolve, I will take her to a doc.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes mental stress can cause a multitude of problems. How is she doing now?
I would advise you get her checked if there is a recurrence. Take care!

[hesketh7085]

Thanks for you help. It must just be stress. She doesn't smoke, she hasn't suffered a head injury, it was only a couple of years ago she got the MMR jab, and she doesn't suffer hypercholestrerolemia, she must just be stressed after last night.

Worrys me that such a minor event could cause this sort of reactions.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

There can be many causes of sudden memory loss like head injury, stroke, meningitis etc. Certain drugs known as statins which are prescribed for hypercholesterolemia can also cause sudden memory loss. If you can rule this one out I think what she is experiencing is extreme stress that has caused her short term memory loss.
http://ezinearticles.com/?When-Does-Sudden-Loss-of-Memory-Occur?&id=468044
If the symptoms persist then please schedule an appointment with a physician.