Posted by Bill McC (198.64.206.92) on November 17, 1999 at 10:43:44:
In Reply to: Short term memory loss posted by Lee M. on November 17, 1999 at 00:03:35:
I have several theories about short-term memory loss and CH, along with my coping strategy. A couple of months ago the same topic was raised on CHMB and others too have the same complaint. I believe that the memory loss is a primary sub-feature of CH that should be addressed in the holistic CH treatment plan.
The medical theory goes that the brain simply shuts down certain “nice-to-have” functions during CH, with S/T memory being near the top of that list.
Stress also plays a part in the memory effect. More stress, less usable bandwidth.
Memory loss is also a self-defense mechanism. The brain has a way of erasing selective memory, such as the extreme pain of the CH-attack. It is a good part of the denial system. Unfortunately, the erase mechanism seems to over-write more than it needs to, and takes with it innocent memory, with S/T memory being easy to over-write, by its very design.
A key coping strategy is keep a 3x5 index card in my pocket to write little notes to myself as reminders. These get filed in date order for later reference, along with other journal material.