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What Causes Dizziness And Nausea In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Question: I am 65year old woman in good health. Lately have been experienacein intermittent lightheadedness, hot flashes, some nausea. usually aleviates if i lay down.
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Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please provide more information

Detailed Answer:
From what you are saying, when you are active and about you are having hotflashes, nausea and lightheadedness and this usually goes away if you rest.

1. Do you have any medical problems?
2. Do the hotflashes ever occur under other circumstances?
3. Do you ever get chest pain or shortness of breath?

Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Timothy Raichle (2 hours later)
In the interim, I was able to see an Internist. She did na EKG, which if I understood her correctly, showed a very minor arrhythmia. Among other things, it seemed she was looking also for neurological issues and nothing was irregular. Blood work in process and on Monday, I start a 48 hour harness monitoring.

Background - I have been blessed the genes of a family with very good health so very little to report. Except, both parents, in late 70's and early 80's had TIA's leading to eventual death, mid 80's.

Most of my adult life, I've had a problem with getting lightheaded and unusually overheated during any sustained exertion, such as 'working out', dancing. So I just didn't work out and it wasn't a big deal. But recently, I started dance lessons and found again that during repeated dances, I had to stop for the same reason. Then I tried yoga and again, could not go through with the classes.

However, these most recent episodes have been coming on without any exertion. That's when I began to get very concerned. They happen maybe 2 times in a day, maybe 2 times in a week. Can't predict.

One more thing, I have had very significant heariing lose in one ear for at least 30 years. The cause was never investigated but I always wonder if there is a connection.

Oh :) NO chest pains, ever. Shortness of breath? Not sure. Maybe. Hard to tell what is normal.

That's all I've got for now.

Thank you for your help.

Francesca Giulino
doctor
Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
This sounds like evolving cardio-vascular problems

Detailed Answer: XXXXXXX

Thank you for this information and I am terribly sorry about the delay. It makes sense that this is something related to your heart:

1. You have an arrythmia
2. The symptoms occur with exertion
3. They get better when you rest

While you have a healthy family, there obviously is an increased risk of cardio-vascular disease as both of your parents had strokes. Given the feeling of light-headedness and possibly even related to your hearing loss, there might also be problems related to blood flow to your head - in other words related to what we refer to as your carotid arteries. Here is what should happen:

1. The halter monitor is a great idea
2. You need a referral to a cardiologist
3. Besides the halter monitor, you need a cardiac stress test
4. This might also include an ultrasound of your heart and carotid arteries (they supply blood to your brain)

The most concerning thing about your history is that the symptoms have gone from occurring during exertion, to now being non-exertional. It sounds like you are in good hands and getting the proper evaluation.

Please let me know if you have additional questions and I will get back to you immediately.

Dr. Tim
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Timothy Raichle (13 hours later)
Thank you for, what seems to be, a thorough evaluation. I am going to leave this discussion open for now.

Much appreciation,
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
doctor
Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thank you

Detailed Answer:
Yes, please ask if you would like me to expound on anything that I have said or ask if you have more questions.

Dr. Tim
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Timothy Raichle

OBGYN

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1687 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness And Nausea In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Please provide more information Detailed Answer: From what you are saying, when you are active and about you are having hotflashes, nausea and lightheadedness and this usually goes away if you rest. 1. Do you have any medical problems? 2. Do the hotflashes ever occur under other circumstances? 3. Do you ever get chest pain or shortness of breath? Dr. Tim