Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
retrograde amnesia
Memory loss for events and information acquired before the onset of brain injury or illness.
Full Definition
Inability to recall previously learned information and past events, typically following a temporal gradient where more recent memories are more severely affected than remote memories. Common after traumatic brain injury, stroke, or degenerative conditions. Assessment involves questioning about personal history, major life events, and public knowledge from different time periods. Often occurs alongside anterograde amnesia but may present in isolation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories).
In Context
- "Retrograde amnesia extended back approximately five years before the accident." — Memory assessment
- "The patient showed dense retrograde amnesia for events immediately preceding the stroke." — Clinical observation
Also known as
backwards amnesia
Contrasted with
anterograde amnesia
Don't confuse with
anterograde amnesia
dissociative amnesia