What it is
It does not affect eyesight, memory or intelligence. Some people do not realise they have it for many years.
There is no specific treatment. People often learn to recognise others by their voice, hair, clothes or the way they walk, and telling others about it can help.
Common signs
- Not recognising people you know, especially out of context
- Finding it hard to follow characters in films
- Relying on voice, hair or clothes to recognise people
- Avoiding social situations
- Difficulty recognising your own face
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about how it affects you
- Face recognition tests
- Sometimes a brain scan if it started after an injury or illness
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Neurology or neuropsychology letters
- Test results
- Scan reports
Questions to ask your doctor
- Could this be caused by something treatable?
- Are there strategies that could help me?
- Is it worth testing my family members?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden face blindness with signs of a stroke, such as face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.