What Causes Sudden Short-Term Memory Loss?
Sudden short-term memory loss may be attributed to such factors as emotional or physical trauma, stress or drug use. While most people experience momentary forgetfulness from time to time, sudden short-term memory loss is different in that it has an unusual cause. Although it is not necessarily permanent in nature, impaired memory can be a very frustrating and life-altering experience. Sudden short-term memory loss is characterized by a sudden inability to recall recent events and otherwise simple memories. A person with this condition is likely to remember events from long ago, but cannot recall events that immediately preceded her or his partial memory loss. This type of impaired memory is also referred to as acute memory loss because it is not permanent and is usually reversible.