Many times during a busy day, we realize that we forget words related to objects, people, etc. We try to recall the word we want and have difficulty doing so. This symptom can last a few seconds until we succeed.
Sometimes we may use the wrong word for an object (e.g., we want to say water and say glass) because we have difficulty finding the right one, but we immediately recognize the mistake and correct it.
This phenomenon is very common and does not indicate anything serious about the functioning of the brain. It is a minor dysfunction in attention and recent memory, which is served by the frontal lobe and which reverses after a few seconds.
If we persist, we will find the word we are looking for. Focusing on screens, multiple phone calls, and constant communication with people around us contribute to the occurrence of this phenomenon.
However, if it lasts longer than a minute and occurs daily and very frequently throughout the day, we should be concerned and seek help. If it is combined with other speech disorders such as difficulty in reading and writing, as well as consistent errors in recognizing objects, then a neurosurgical evaluation and imaging test should be performed.
Faidonas Liakos, MD, PhD
Director of the Neurosurgery Clinic
Make your appointment today at 210 729 1111.
