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Tests for Memory Loss

Memory loss, also known as amnesia, can occur for a variety of reasons, including brain injury, depression, Alzheimer's, and stroke. When presenting with symptoms of amnesia, the doctor may perform a variety of tests to determine the cause.

  1. Blood Tests

    • Blood may be drawn and tested to rule out medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, and low vitamin B12.

    Cerebral Angiography

    • Cerebral angiography is a test in which a dye is inserted into the arteries. X-ray imaging is used to track how the blood is flowing through the brain, to determine the presence of any blockages.

    Cognitive or Psychometric Tests

    • Cognitive or psychometric tests determine the patient's mental status. The physician will ask pertinent questions, such as name, age, job, address, time or date. He will also observe the patient's attention span, ability to recall recent events and events far in the past. He may check for word comprehension, as well as asking questions like, "If you found a wallet on the ground in a store, what would you do?"

    CT Scan or MRI

    • Cranial computed tomography (CT) scans use x-rays to take pictures of the entire head, as the scanner rotates around the reclining person. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also does this. Both are used to check for blockages or other abnormalities.

    EEG

    • The electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to monitor the brain's electronic impulses to determine if any seizures are present.

    Lumbar Puncture

    • A lumbar puncture is also known as cerebrospinal fluid collection, or spinal tap. Fluid is collected from the spinal column and tested to look for infections such as meningitis, or brain and spinal cord damage.

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