14

In the case of memory loss due to a blunt force impact, can memory later be restored by means of another blunt force impact?

Seems fairly common on TV.

I did find some anecdotal evidence of this:

6
  • 2
    Harry Potter is on TV too. Could magic possibly be involved?
    – user3344
    Oct 11, 2012 at 13:10
  • Lol Woodchips! Let's add the Flintstones to that list also! Oct 11, 2012 at 17:54
  • 1
    tvtropes calls it Easy Amnesia and the wiki has a big page on the most common hollywood amnesia (treatment put repeated blunt force trauma as a non-option) Oct 11, 2012 at 22:11
  • I am surprised to find this question has not been asked before.
    – Chad
    Oct 12, 2012 at 20:33
  • 1
    Bart's advice to Homer before fighting a large man: "Make sure he hits you in the head an even number of times so you don't get amnesia!"
    – Kip
    Oct 17, 2012 at 18:09

1 Answer 1

3

Cecil Adams, the syndicated columnist of "The Straight Dope", addressed this precise issue in this column (which sides with "Woodchip", more or less), that a closed-head injury is rarely so black and white that the person loses all past memory only, then miraculously regains past memory with another head blow.

Can you get amnesia from a blow to the head?

7
  • 3
    This really needs something a bit more scientific and reputable than a random link on the internet.
    – nico
    Oct 11, 2012 at 20:33
  • 2
    Define "random", please? Oct 11, 2012 at 22:13
  • 3
    Random meaning not a reputable source. And no, I would not consider "The straight dope" as a reputable source for medical issues. Please provide some link to peer-reviewed research.
    – nico
    Oct 12, 2012 at 6:12
  • 2
    absolutely not. Absence of evidence is considered absence of evidence and it would be a very good answer.
    – nico
    Oct 13, 2012 at 6:28
  • 2
    Hold your horses, @nico, Cecil Adams is a reputable source.
    – marton78
    Nov 14, 2012 at 22:15

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .