5. Dealing with Repetitive Questioning: A Unique Feature of TGA
If you’ve ever watched a movie where a character keeps asking the same question over and over again, you might have seen an accurate representation of one of TGA’s distinct features. Repetitive questioning is a hallmark sign of TGA, and it tends to leave a lasting impression on those who witness it.
During a TGA episode, individuals may ask the same question repeatedly, in rapid succession, despite receiving an answer. It’s a cycle of question and response that can be frustrating for both the person experiencing the episode and those around them.
But what causes this incessant repetition? It all circles back to the anterograde amnesia that TGA causes. Due to the inability to form new memories, responses given to questions are forgotten almost instantaneously, resulting in the same question being asked again and again.
However, it’s essential to note that this repetitive questioning is not an act of willful forgetfulness. Those affected by TGA are not deliberately ignoring the responses they receive. Instead, their brain’s temporary inability to retain new information is the culprit.
The good news? As with other TGA symptoms, this repetitive questioning ends once the episode is over. And while it can be an unnerving experience, understanding its cause can provide a sense of reassurance during the event. (5)
