Forgetfulness, cognitive impairment, and general impaired memory are the most common symptoms of memory loss in children. Depending on the cause, a child may also experience physical symptoms, such as nausea or fatigue, as well as emotional symptoms, such as anxiety.
Children who experience memory loss often suffer from frequent confusion. They may not be able to retain information at an age-appropriate level, and can show developmental delays. In extreme cases, these children may also experience temporary or permanent amnesia.
Depression and anxiety often occur simultaneously with memory loss in children, and these two issues can be symptoms as well as causes of the problem. Children may have an inability to concentrate, or to concentrate for long periods of time, and may be tired and fatigued. Some children who suffer from memory loss also exhibit general or extreme irritability. They may also have digestive problems, including a loss of appetite, diarrhea and incontinence.
Some children with memory problems become sensitive to noise or light. Those who suffer from some type of head trauma, whether due to an accident or abuse, may stop being interested in the types of things they would usually enjoy, such as games, toys, or activities. Many children with head injuries who lose their memory also lose their sense of balance and may have trouble walking.
Memory loss can also occur after a child experiences a period of unconsciousness or concussion. This symptom may be accompanied by vomiting or nausea, slurred speech, and dizziness. Kids who have memory loss as a result of a concussion may also complain of headaches and ringing in the ears.
Seizures can be a symptom or a cause of memory loss in children. If some form of diabetes is the reason for the memory problem, children may drink and urinate more frequently, and they can have an increased appetite. They may become obese or lose weight and can develop blurry vision. Some children who have memory loss in conjunction with diabetes may also seem to be in poor health generally, get more infections, and may develop patches of soft, dark skin known as acanthosis nigricans.
