Published on: 3/5/2025
Yes, it is common to have short-term memory problems after a head injury, and many people find that these memory issues can get better over time with proper care.
When someone hits their head, it is not unusual to experience trouble remembering things in the short term. This means that after the injury, your brain might have difficulty keeping track of small details or events that have just happened. Researchers have found that memory problems are one of the typical effects of a head injury. One study explains that a head injury can disrupt the normal workings of the brain, which makes it hard for new information to be stored. Other studies show that when the brain is hurt, the areas that help with short-term memory may not work as well as before, causing temporary memory loss. The good news is that over time, with proper rest and treatment, many people see improvement in their memory as the brain heals. However, the speed and degree of recovery depend on the recovery of the head injury and the individual's overall health. If concerns continue, it's important to talk with a doctor for further guidance even though this information is just to help you understand what commonly happens after a head injury.
(References)
Rabinowitz AR, Levin HS. Cognitive sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2014 Mar;37(1):1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.11.004. Epub 2014 Jan 14. PMID: 24529420; PMCID: PMC3927143.
Paterno R, Folweiler KA, Cohen AS. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Memory Dysfunction After Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017 Jul;17(7):52. doi: 10.1007/s11910-017-0762-x. PMID: 28500417; PMCID: PMC5861722.
Abdul Razak LH, Denis T, Murugiah Y, Yoong WK, Idris Z, Senik MH. The Effect of Traumatic Brain Injury on Memory. Malays J Med Sci. 2024 Jun;31(3):52-74. doi: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.4. Epub 2024 Jun 27. PMID: 38984242; PMCID: PMC11229567.
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