DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year-old woman in good health. I received two doses of the Moderna vaccine. Within 16 hours of receiving the second dose I developed what was ultimately diagnosed as transient global amnesia after an extensive workup at our local hospital. My family was extremely concerned, and now they all say I shouldn't get a booster. I want to stay as safe as possible from COVID but certainly don't want to get trapped in a mental state where I can't function. I would appreciate your thoughts on whether or not I should get a booster. -- F.D.
ANSWER: Transient global amnesia is a terrifying experience for a person and for those around them. It begins with an abrupt onset of memory loss and disorientation, with the person often repeatedly asking questions about when and where they are; this is sometimes called "broken record" phenomenon. People are often concerned that it is a stroke. During this time, people are unable to make new memories. It most commonly lasts about six hours, and seldom, if ever, more than 12. It's most common in middle aged and older adults. Prompt evaluation is indicated to be sure this isn't anything more serious.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Last week, a special feature was published of tips on how to save at the grocery store. The goal is to cut costs on items you are already purchasing, but make it simple.
Saving Money on a Weekly Grocery Trip Can Be Easy! Here's How
The items pictured were actual purchases and the last photo highlighted additional deals, at both Kroger and Publix, that may be beneficial to the majority.
Did you find this helpful? Let us know in the comments how it was helpful and/or how it can be improved!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Please log in, or sign up for a new, free account to read or post comments.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.