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in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Medical validation:
November 25, 2024
On November 13, a French woman from Lyon was found, confused and disoriented, not far from Barcelona. Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, deciphers this sudden amnesia.
A French amnesiac woman presented herself on November 13 at the Consulate General of France in Barcelona. His only memory? Have resided in the Lyon area. A surprising medical case, deciphered by Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.
A call for witnesses has been broadcast
According to information collected by le Figarothe fifty-year-old went to the Consulate General of France in Barcelona to explain her story. She doesn’t remember anything anymore, apart from the fact “to have lived in the Lyon region“.
Faced with this story, the authorities immediately decided to hospitalize the woman of Lyon origin on site, in Barcelona. They also relayed photos of her, on a hospital bed, in an attempt to find her loved ones.
“We are looking for anyone who recognizes this woman”specifies the Rhône gendarmerie, inviting anyone with information concerning her to contact the 17th.
For Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, this amnesia, although surprising, can be explained.
“Amnesia most often comes from a physical or psychological shock. Head trauma, cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), brain tumor, neurodegenerative disease, chronic alcoholism, thiamine deficiency, cannabis and ecstasy consumption or even emotional shock can explain it (.. .) In fact, it is a partial or total loss of the ability to remember experiences or events. It can affect the memory of recent or old events, depending on the type of amnesia.
Another important detail, which could perhaps explain the Frenchwoman’s astonishing journey: amnesia can be temporary or permanent. For example, an amnesic stroke leads to a sudden loss of short-term memory (4 to 6 hours). If it is dangerous for the patient concerned, who finds himself disoriented in time and space, this ictus (which can happen to anyone) is “reversible and without after-effects“, specifies the doctor.
“This being said, even if amnestic stroke is generally benign, a medical evaluation is necessary to exclude other more serious illnesses such as stroke or epilepsy…”
Finally, another avenue mentioned by Dr Kierzek: pathological trips.
“This “journey” is a movement without an objective goal, motivated by psychopathological reasons. In cases of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, pathological trips may be accompanied by confusion and potentially partial amnesia. The patient takes the train and leaves… Amnesia can be both a cause and a consequence of pathological travel“, concludes the doctor.
Good in his body, good in his head!
When faced with a disoriented and/or amnesiac person, it is recommended:
- Not to panic;
- To establish a safe environment (for example, to keep it away from car noise);
- To speak slowly;
- To use a soft, calm and reassuring tone of voice;
- Not to bombard her with complex questions;
- To focus on your immediate needs.
If the amnesia appears to be related to an accident (physical shock), contact emergency services immediately.
Slide: 10 essentials to boost your memory