Transient global amnesia after pain interventions such as nerve block and intramuscular stimulation: a case report

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is characterized by a sudden episode of memory loss that usually lasts for minutes to several hours but never longer than 24 hours. TGA is triggered by events such as Valsalva maneuver, acute emotional stress, sexual intercourse, or pain. Since case reports of TGA occurring after pain interventions are extremely rare, it may be difficult for the physician to respond appropriately. Although TGA is self-limiting, it is important for the physicians to be aware of this unique syndrome and to distinguish it from other neurological complications or local anesthetic toxicity. We report a case of a 57-year-old female patient who experienced TGA after pain interventions such as nerve block and intramuscular stimulation at a pain clinic. The symptoms disappeared within 1 hour without neurological sequelae.