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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness

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Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017
Question: I have been having XXXXXXX seizures (they just come on quickly and then disappear)
NO PAIN
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
More information is needed.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

However you need to provide more information on what you consider seizures, they might actually be something else. Please describe in detail what happens as felt from you or describe from witnesses, the duration of the episodes, since when are they present, how frequent.
Also please confirm whether there is any past head trauma or other medical conditions, any tests you have had.

Generally speaking if we are to accept that those are seizures, any seizure at your age should prompt head imaging as it may be due to causes like tumor or stroke. In addition an EEG as well as some blood tests for metabolic issues are needed. If a brain lesion is confirmed on imaging it will be managed according to the type of lesion. For the seizures themselves there are many antiseizure medications, but in order to select among them one must precise the type of seizure according to the description, changes on EEG and imaging, as well as blood test results.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
no head trama; these last no more than 30 seconds; get lightheaded; may get 3 or 4 in an hour and then nothing for the rest of the day; I am a former smoker ( 1 year) and occasional use medical marijuana for knee pain; no tests; I have a possible polyp on my gall balder; still waiting on scan results from december
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.

If the only manifestation is lightheadedness then it is not necessarily a seizure, other causes must be considered.
One possibility would be episodes of abnormal heart rhythm which commonly manifest with lightheadedness. For that reason a simple EKG is the initial step and even if that is normal more prolonged monitoring, called Holter EKG is advised, it is done through a device carried during daily activities which monitors heart rhythm for at least 24 hours.
Another possibility might be inner ear issues which is an organ very much involved in balance. A condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is manifested by short lasting spells of vertigo or dizziness and should be particularly suspected when symptoms appear when changing head position.
Seizures remain a possibility, but not the most likely one. So if the above is excluded the tests I mentioned in my previous answer are still recommended, depending on the results of which it'll be judged whether antiseizure medication is needed or not.

Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (36 hours later)
Tuesday and Wednesday I had a series of these episodes. probably 10 in 2 hours and two were severe; did not pass out; but was very lightheaded; can't get in to see my doctor; should I seek a specialist or go to urgent care medicine?
so far today nothing; these usually start at work in the afternoon
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I think that you should make a visit to urgent care. There can be done some simple tests like EKG and blood tests to exclude urgent causes like a threatening heart arrhythmia.

However urgent care can not exclude everything. As I said before a normal EKG doesn't exclude transitory episodes of arrhythmia and prolonged Holter monitoring is still advised. So if the doctors there do not identify the cause and the symptoms persist you should follow up with your doctor in order to be referred to a specialist on a non-emergent basis.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Dizziness

Brief Answer: More information is needed. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. However you need to provide more information on what you consider seizures, they might actually be something else. Please describe in detail what happens as felt from you or describe from witnesses, the duration of the episodes, since when are they present, how frequent. Also please confirm whether there is any past head trauma or other medical conditions, any tests you have had. Generally speaking if we are to accept that those are seizures, any seizure at your age should prompt head imaging as it may be due to causes like tumor or stroke. In addition an EEG as well as some blood tests for metabolic issues are needed. If a brain lesion is confirmed on imaging it will be managed according to the type of lesion. For the seizures themselves there are many antiseizure medications, but in order to select among them one must precise the type of seizure according to the description, changes on EEG and imaging, as well as blood test results. I remain at your disposal for other questions.