Amnesia is the partial or total loss of memory, usually caused by brain injury or shock. It’s a phenomenon that has captured the plublic’s imagination for years, and is frequently used as a storyline in movies, books, and TV soap operas. It’s an ordinary sickness that is easily overcome. But in reality, amnesia is a devastating disorder. This condition can take place for a variety of reasons. Medical investigation is needed in order to identify the root cause of the condition is not treated, it may cause partial or total forgetfulness and turn the person’s life upside down. It many even reduce a person’s reality to a perpetual presents, with no future and no past. Neuropsychologists say that stress, trauma, and anxiety can cause amnesia.
One other story that got international attention was that of Philip Staufen. The name “Philip Staufen” is actually the name of a medieval German king, but it was the first namethat came to the man’s mind when he awoke with amnesia in a Toronto hospital. Staufen was in his twenties and had British accent. He had been mugged, and his wallet along with all his documents had been stolen. His photo and fingerprints circulated around the world, but nothing came back. Eight years later journalists discovered that “Staufen” was actually Cirprian Ciprian, a con man from Romania.