Retrograde Memory impairment refers to the loss of memories a person has laid down prior to their brain injury. Some people will experience Retrograde Memory impairment for a few hours or days prior to the injury i.e. they do not remember the events immediately preceding the injury. For other people, the memory loss may be more severe, from months to decades. The severity of Retrograde Memory impairment is related to the location and severity of brain injury.
Severe Retrograde Memory impairment can be life changing; the person perhaps being unable to recall significant life events, where they live, what they did for a living, what made them who they are. They may lose some previously learned skills and knowledge, additionally, important personal information may be lost. This is traumatic and distressing for the individual with brain injury, but is also highly distressing for relatives and friends – some of whom may not even be remembered by the person.
It is very common for the person with retrograde amnesia to also have Anterograde Memory impairment. Usually the Anterograde Memory impairment is a more prominent feature having a more obvious impact on day-to-day functioning and behaviour. It is possible for Retrograde Memory impairment to occur without impairment of anterograde abilities, but this is relatively unusual.