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Multiple Choice

Posterior circulation TIA with episodes of amnesia and personality change, featuring both anterograde and retrograde amnesia lasting 3-24 hours, with no confabulation and not a stroke risk, is best described as?

Transient global amnesia is characterized by abrupt onset of impaired memory with both anterograde and retrograde amnesia that typically lasts up to 24 hours, while consciousness and attention remain intact and there are no persistent focal neurological deficits. The described pattern—episodes lasting 3–24 hours with loss of new and recent past memories, no confabulation, and no stroke-like signs—fits this syndrome best. Basilar or posterior circulation TIAs would usually produce transient focal neurologic symptoms (such as dizziness, ataxia, weakness, speech or visual changes) rather than isolated memory impairment. A broad transient ischemic attack category doesn’t explain the classic memory-only disturbance with preserved other functions. So, the presentation aligns most closely with transient global amnesia.

Transient global amnesia is characterized by abrupt onset of impaired memory with both anterograde and retrograde amnesia that typically lasts up to 24 hours, while consciousness and attention remain intact and there are no persistent focal neurological deficits. The described pattern—episodes lasting 3–24 hours with loss of new and recent past memories, no confabulation, and no stroke-like signs—fits this syndrome best. Basilar or posterior circulation TIAs would usually produce transient focal neurologic symptoms (such as dizziness, ataxia, weakness, speech or visual changes) rather than isolated memory impairment. A broad transient ischemic attack category doesn’t explain the classic memory-only disturbance with preserved other functions. So, the presentation aligns most closely with transient global amnesia.