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Background and objectives: The pathogenesis of transient
global amnesia (TGA) is still unknown although several
hypotheses exist. We describe the clustering of transient
global amnesia in a Swiss family and discuss possible
pathomechanisms.
Methods/results: 4 out of 4 siblings as well as their mother
suffered from acute onset ante- and retrograde amnesia. In
4 cases the diagnosis of TGA was established retrospectively.
One case was evaluated during the acute phase at our
department using standard laboratory exams, EEG,
extracranial Doppler sonography and MRI-scan which
rendered normal results without evidence of hippocampal
lesions or internal jugular vein valve insufficiency. In all
affected family members the symptom onset was
approximately at the age of 70. In 4 out of 5 cases preceding
Valsalva like manoeuvres were reported. Despite the
familial clustering of TGA, every affected family member
suffered TGA only once per lifetime to date.
Conclusions: Familial incidence of TGA is a rare finding
which might be underdiagnosed due to the transient and
benign nature of the disorder. Further analysis of familial
TGA might provide new insights into the pathomechanism
of this disorder.