Amnesia is potentially a symptom of a serious problem and requires prompt medical attention. Parts affected In amnesia only part of memory is lost. A concussion resulting from an auto accident, for example, may cause a temporary memory loss about just the accident itself. This is called localized amnesia.
Generalized amnesia blocks out all memories concerning the victim's entire previous life.
Related symptoms Patients with amnesia may be confused and distressed by their inability to remember things. The order of events they do recall may be jumbled, and some people may be disoriented, even unaware of having lost their memory. Where physical injuries are involved, external bruises and cuts will be obvious. Diseases such as a brain tumor or thiamine deficiency exhibit other symptoms besides memory loss. Associations Amnesia is the outward symptom of an underlying physical or psychological problem.