Amnesia

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose amnesia by talking to you and asking questions about yourself, your life, current events and your symptoms. There are also diagnostic tests and imaging scans that can contribute to the diagnosis. The tests that your provider recommends will vary depending on what they suspect is causing your amnesia and if you have other symptoms.

What tests will be done to diagnose amnesia?

Several tests can contribute to diagnosing a condition that causes amnesia or rule out other conditions that might cause it. Imaging scans are among the most common but aren’t the only useful tool.

Possible tests include:

A physical and neurological exam.
A neuropsychological assessment.
Computed tomography (CT) scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look for seizure activity in your brain.
Blood testing (to look for signs of infection, check vitamin and mineral levels, blood sugar levels, etc.).
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to check your cerebrospinal fluid for signs of a possible cause.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.