Conditions That Cause Confabulation

Split-Brain Syndrome

The human brain is naturally divided into two separate hemispheres with separate functions, but it normally has a bundle of nerves linking the two sides of the brain, allowing them to communicate. If the connective nerves are severed in an injury, damaged in a stroke, or harmed by a tumor, an individual can end up with split-brain syndrome. This syndrome makes it very hard to manage coordination and participate in tasks requiring simultaneous use of both parts of the brain. Technically, this is not a type of memory loss, because all memories are retained in the brain. However, it is hard for the brain to properly access memories in response to certain types of stimuli. Since the brain uses the left hemisphere for language, patients with split-brain syndrome struggle to discuss memories reliant on information the right hemisphere processes. Their brain may respond to this issue by trying to come up with confabulated memories when they need to discuss something.

Traumatic Brain Syndrome

Many incidences of confabulation are linked to a past injury. Individuals who have brain damage may suddenly develop false memories that are very hard to shake. Traumatic brain syndrome can be caused by a huge variety of issues, ranging from a blow to the head to a stroke. In some cases, even a fairly light injury may be enough to cause confabulation to occur. Individuals who get damage to their inferior medial frontal lobe are far more likely to confabulate than those who have damage to other parts of the brain. This part of the brain is associated primarily with producing speech, storing memories, and processing language, so when it is damaged, all sorts of memories and responses get mixed up. Patients who get amnesia following a traumatic brain injury are more likely to experience confabulation, but it can happen even in those who do not have any profound amnesia.