How would an amnesiac patient act if he or she were brought into the hospital after a stroke or

brain injury? What medical procedures would you order to see where the problem was?

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Answer: A doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of memory loss, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, or a brain tumor.

They will take a detailed medical history, which may be difficult if the patient does not remember. Family members or caregivers may need to be present.

The doctor will need the patient's permission to talk about their medical details with somebody else.

Questions can include:

Can the patient remember recent events and events further back in time?

When did the memory problems start?

How did they develop?

Could any factors have caused the memory loss, such as a head injury, surgery, or stroke?

Is there a family history of any neurological or psychiatric conditions?

Does the person consume alcohol?

Are they using any medication?

Have they taken illegal drugs, such as cocaine or heroin?

Are the symptoms undermining their ability to look after themselves?

Do they have a history of depression or seizures?

Have they ever had cancer?

A physical exam might include checking aspects of the brain and nervous system, such as:

reflexes

sensory function

balance

The doctor may also check the patient's:

judgment

short-term memory

long-term memory