What is dissociative amnesia?

It is a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to consciously recall past events, due to psychological trauma or severe stress, such as physical or sexual abuse during childhood, war, or natural disasters, among others.

Dissociative amnesia, also called psychogenic or functional amnesia, is more frequent in women and can persist for a long period after the traumatic event. Sometimes, the person may recover their memory spontaneously.

Those who have suffered prolonged physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood are at a greater risk of manifesting dissociative amnesia.

Dissociative amnesia is classified as:

• Localized
• Generalized
• Continuous
• Selective
• Systematized

• Inability to retrieve previously stored memories.
• Inability to create new long-term memories.
• Anguish/distress.
• Confusion.
• Alcohol and drug use/abuse.
• Weakness.
• Depression.
• Disorientation.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Fatigue.
• Suicide attempts.
• Problems establishing and maintaining relationships.
• Feeling of separation from oneself (depersonalization).
• Sleep disorders.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination that will include a psychological and neurological exam. They will also order the following tests:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG).
• Blood and urine tests.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Computed Tomography (CT scan).

The treatment plan aims to reduce symptoms, recover memory, and alleviate problems stemming from the traumatic event through medications, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and support groups.

At the Neurological Center, a group of highly trained and certified doctors in various neurological specialties are prepared to treat you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Neurology Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory