A woman in Hong Kong lost ten years of memories after a severe bout of constipation turned dangerous. What began as a routine case of constipation escalated into a rare medical incident when the woman strained excessively while on the toilet. The intense effort triggered a sudden “mental blackout” that lasted around eight hours, prompting her alarmed family to rush her to the hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with transient global amnesia, a temporary condition in which a sharp spike in internal pressure briefly restricts blood and oxygen flow to the brain through the jugular veins. After a night of monitoring, she made a full recovery and regained all her memories — though she has no recollection of the frightening episode itself. This unusual case highlights how extreme physical strain can affect the brain, similar to a “weightlifter’s blackout.” Such episodes can be triggered by anything that causes a rapid surge in blood pressure, including heavy lifting, intense emotional stress, or even swimming in cold water. While transient global amnesia is usually harmless and short-lived, doctors emphasize the importance of cardiovascular and brain health. They recommend maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive straining or overexertion to prevent these kinds of sudden physiological disruptions. [Joshi, S. (2019, May 29). This Hong Kong Woman’s Constipation May Have Caused Amnesia. Vice]