Any disease or injury that affects the brain can interfere with memory. Amnesia can result from damage to brain structures that form the limbic system, which controls your emotions and memories.

What type of brain damage causes memory loss?

Memory problems are very common in people with moderate to severe TBI. TBI can damage parts of the brain that handle learning and remembering. TBI affects short-term memory more than long-term memory.

How long does memory loss last after brain injury?

It can be weeks or months before your survivor is able to routinely store new memories. In general, post-traumatic amnesia lasts three to four times longer than the preceding coma. Jessica's coma lasted two to three weeks; her PTA lasted more than ten weeks.