Chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side, a fit or heavy bleeding needs help now, not an appointment.

112Any emergency108Ambulance102Pregnancy and newborn
Check a symptomManage a conditionHealth calculatorsUnderstand a lab reportFirst aid
Head, brain and nerves

Memory loss or confusion

Also called memory loss, confusion, bhulna, forgetfulness, yaad nahi rehta

What it meansSafe at homeDo not doSee a doctorWarning signs

What this means

Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but ongoing memory problems or sudden confusion can be linked to many causes, from infections and low sugar to nerve conditions, and should be checked.

Safe to do at home

  • Keep a steady daily routine and use reminders or notes
  • Ensure good sleep, hydration and regular meals
  • Stay mentally and socially active

Please do not do this alone

  • Do not take memory tonics or supplements on your own
  • Do not ignore confusion that comes on suddenly
  • Do not let the person be alone if they are disoriented

Book a consultation if

  • Memory problems are slowly getting worse over time
  • They affect daily life, work or safety
  • There are changes in behaviour or personality

Get help immediately if

  • Sudden confusion or disorientation
  • Confusion with fever, severe headache or a stiff neck
  • Confusion with weakness, slurred speech or after a head injury

The right doctor for this

Neurologist

This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.

Consult a NeurologistStart with a General Physician

Get care for this

Doctors and care for memory loss or confusion

Verified Teleprac doctors you can see online or in a clinic, lab tests with home sample collection, and genuine medicines delivered to your door.

Shop Brain, Spine & Nerve CareDelivered home. Please take medicines only as your doctor advises.
See all symptoms

How to use this page. It explains what a symptom usually means, so that you can decide whether to watch it, book a consultation or get help now. It does not diagnose you, it does not know your age, your pregnancy or your other medicines, and it cannot replace being examined. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

Consult a doctorNeurologist

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Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

112Any emergencyOne number for police, fire and ambulance across India108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance in most states and union territories102Pregnancy and newbornAmbulance for mothers and babies in most states14416Mental health supportTele MANAS, free counselling every hour of the day, many languages1800 116 117Poisoning or overdoseNational Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi1098Child in distressChildline India, free and confidential

Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.