Mechanisms Behind Epilepsy, Exhaustion, and Acute Stress

When a sudden weakening of strength or neurological malfunctions disrupt our normal functioning, it can lead to temporary loss of consciousness and memory gaps. Initially, we discuss a simple yet significant phenomenon—a temporary deterioration in the body’s overall state, where exhaustion or a sudden drop in energy results in brief unconsciousness. Despite the absence of serious neurological damage, such a rapid decline in energy can leave a trace in the form of short-term amnesia.

Next, attention should be drawn to cases associated with disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity. Epilepsy, although primarily known for its convulsive seizures, can also manifest in other forms—sudden “dimming” or complete loss of consciousness, sometimes accompanied by vivid psychiatric effects. These conditions are frequently followed by deteriorations in memory and judgment, indicating a significant impact on cognitive functions. Such situations are particularly concerning if they develop at an early age or are accompanied by other brain disorders.

Finally, one must not overlook the effect of acute physical stimuli accompanied by sharp pains or, as it is sometimes described, sensations of an electric discharge. These strong stimuli can not only cause loss of consciousness, but also lead to amnesia, whether temporary or prolonged.

Thus, it should be noted that the mechanisms behind loss of consciousness and its related cognitive impairments can arise from several factors—from temporary bodily weakness to significant neurological disturbances and acute physical impacts. Understanding these processes is crucial for timely diagnosis and correction of conditions affecting brain health, as well as for comprehending how our body responds to extreme situations.

What medical or physiological causes can lead to loss of consciousness with subsequent amnesia, and how does this process occur?

Loss of consciousness with subsequent amnesia can occur due to a number of medical and physiological disturbances in brain function. One cause is a general weakening of the body when, due to exhaustion or a sudden drop in energy, a brief loss of consciousness is observed. As noted in one source, “Loss of consciousness can be a temporary phenomenon caused by the patient’s loss of strength…” indicating the possibility of a temporary decline in overall condition without direct signs of severe neurological damage (source: link ).

Another important mechanism is linked to disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity characteristic of epilepsy. Epileptic seizures may not only manifest as convulsions, but also as episodes of “dimming” or complete loss of consciousness, during which the patient might experience hallucinations, delusions, or even episodes of aggression. In the postictal phase (after the seizure), memory deterioration is observed, often explained by a temporary disruption of the brain’s normal functioning. For example, one source explains in detail: “Another form of epilepsy, besides convulsive seizures, manifests in psychic equivalents (‘substitutes’ for seizures), episodes of dimming or complete loss of consciousness… and in severe and far advanced cases of epilepsy, especially those that began in childhood or were complicated by other brain disorders, a picture of ‘epileptic dementia’ with reduced memory and judgment abilities may develop” (source: link ; source: link ). This indicates that the brain’s malfunction during an epileptic seizure can lead to a loss of memory and impaired judgment.

There are also cases where strong physical stimuli not only lead to loss of consciousness but are accompanied by sensations comparable to an electric shock or sharp pains, which can cause both temporary amnesia and long-lasting memory impairments. According to one description, “almost half the people who experienced paralysis or loss of consciousness when encountering UFOs also described piercing pain or the sensation of an electric shock,” with some of them experiencing amnesia as well (source: link ).

In conclusion, loss of consciousness with subsequent amnesia can result from:
1. Temporary weakening of the body, where a drop in energy leads to a brief loss of consciousness.
2. Neurological disturbances, such as epilepsy, where abnormal electrical brain activity leads to episodes of impaired consciousness and later memory issues.
3. Acute physical stimuli accompanied by sharp pains or sensations that may cause temporary disruptions in brain function.

These processes are generally associated with disturbances in blood circulation, metabolic imbalances, or anomalies in neuronal activity, leading to a short-term or prolonged deterioration of cognitive functions and memory.

Supporting citation(s):
“Loss of consciousness can be a temporary phenomenon caused by the patient’s loss of strength…” (source: link )
“Another form of epilepsy, besides convulsive seizures, manifests in psychic equivalents (‘substitutes’ for seizures), episodes of dimming or complete loss of consciousness… and in severe and far advanced cases of epilepsy, especially those that began in childhood or were complicated by other brain disorders, a picture of ‘epileptic dementia’ with reduced memory and judgment abilities may develop.” (source: link ; source: link )
“Russian ufologist A.B. Petukhov… notes that under certain physiological influences, amnesia, headache, eye pain, loss of vision, nausea, and vomiting are observed.” (source: link )