Case Report: Man Experiences Amnesia Following Fasciectomy

The patient was referred to our specialty memory clinic at the age of 58 with a six month history of memory loss that we date back to an orthopaedic fasciectomy procedure. Magnetic resonance imaging scan at age 58 failed to reveal any cortical atrophy. Word finding and literacy skills were noted were normal. Executive functions have been conserved, including normal processing and carrying out instructions, knowing how to turn off the stove, and operate other household appliances. The memory loss appears to be specific to historical episodes of “emotion” or “trauma”.

The man had a ten year history of post traumatic stress disorder from time served in the military. Additionally, the man had the misfortune of being involved in a highspeed motor vehicle accident two years ago in which he broke several bones and was forced to resign from his career. The combination of trauma led to the breakdown of his marriage and the onset of depression.

Following a fasciectomy procedure to treat a case of recalcitrant heel pain, family members of the Man noted that he no longer appeared to have any recollection of any of his “traumatic memories”. As a result, his depressive state lifted and his quality of life rapidly improved.

The sudden change in his symptoms has baffled our research team, with some speculating that perhaps it is within the fascia that such traumatic memories reside? But most of us think that is a little batshit crazy.