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Suggest Treatment For Cerebral Ameurysm

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: Need advice. My father is 85 years old, has chf, damaged adrenal from cerebral aneurysm 20 years ago (treated with meds, stable). Felt chilled today, rapid onset, felt unwell. Temp 96.2, bp 95.53 (he runs low) and pulse 70. Says he feels "better" but recent vital signs are after an hour under heavy blanket fully dressed. Says hee doesn't need to go to ER. Should I call 911? Can't get hold of pcp.
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Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better to take him to the ER

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Hypothermia and chills can have various causes, but the most important one we should consider here is the history of CHF, which raises question over his blood circulation and heart function (i.e. his ejection fraction).

Other more common causes include abnormalities with the thyroid abnormalities, a side effect of certain medications, trauma, drugs, alcohol abuse, etc.

I would prefer if you would take him to the ER, as I cannot be sure of the cause; and unless I know the cause I cannot be sure of the severity and without knowing that I cannot be sure of whether or not he will improve and feel better or not. This is not something we should be taking a chance with, and even if all is well and this was just a mild cause then we at least know that we did not take a chance with his well-being.

I hope you can take him to the ER, and he feels better at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Cerebral Ameurysm

Brief Answer: Better to take him to the ER Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Hypothermia and chills can have various causes, but the most important one we should consider here is the history of CHF, which raises question over his blood circulation and heart function (i.e. his ejection fraction). Other more common causes include abnormalities with the thyroid abnormalities, a side effect of certain medications, trauma, drugs, alcohol abuse, etc. I would prefer if you would take him to the ER, as I cannot be sure of the cause; and unless I know the cause I cannot be sure of the severity and without knowing that I cannot be sure of whether or not he will improve and feel better or not. This is not something we should be taking a chance with, and even if all is well and this was just a mild cause then we at least know that we did not take a chance with his well-being. I hope you can take him to the ER, and he feels better at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am more than happy to help. Best wishes.