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What Causes Dizziness, Vomiting And Severe Fatigue In An Elderly Man?
Question: Husband age 57, 206 lbs, 6'4" had a TIA in March. Today he was working outside, 84 degrees, bent over and felt dizzy and vomited a few times. Thinks he didn't have enough protein at his breakfast 3 hrs prior. Felt shaky and extremely tired. Felt some better after eating lunch but got very shaky and is sleeping. Temperature is 97.3. Should I just let him sleep for a few hours? I was not present when this occurred rather I showed up just prior to lunch.
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
With dizziness it is a little difficult to evaluate because there can be so many different causes, from more benign ones such as a lowering of blood pressure due to dehydration from working outside, to more serious causes such as stroke and TIA. Given that you were not there to observe him, perhaps do some simple stuff such as checking his pulse and blood pressure, it is hard to know.
So given the history of a previous TIA, making him an individual at risk for stroke, I think that you should wake him to check once more on whether the symptoms persist. If yes I would be more comfortable if he was checked by a doctor, even at the ER, for a check of vital stats, a screening neuroexam, EKG etc.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
With dizziness it is a little difficult to evaluate because there can be so many different causes, from more benign ones such as a lowering of blood pressure due to dehydration from working outside, to more serious causes such as stroke and TIA. Given that you were not there to observe him, perhaps do some simple stuff such as checking his pulse and blood pressure, it is hard to know.
So given the history of a previous TIA, making him an individual at risk for stroke, I think that you should wake him to check once more on whether the symptoms persist. If yes I would be more comfortable if he was checked by a doctor, even at the ER, for a check of vital stats, a screening neuroexam, EKG etc.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
After waking, blood pressure 141/73 and pulse 72. He says he's light headed dizzy and weak with slight headache.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Those vitals are good, they do not exclude the possibility of a drop in blood pressure at the time though. As I said it still is difficult to be sure with dizziness. Some other signs which could indicate a stroke in the posterior circulation to look for would be difficulty walking and coordinating movements, slurred speech, swallowing difficulties, double vision or other visual changes, facial asymmetry, weakness or sensation changes in the face or body.
If no such issues are present and the dizziness and headache are decreasing ER visit may be skipped. But if any such symptoms are present it is necessary. Also if headache and dizziness increases, vomits again it is again necessary.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Those vitals are good, they do not exclude the possibility of a drop in blood pressure at the time though. As I said it still is difficult to be sure with dizziness. Some other signs which could indicate a stroke in the posterior circulation to look for would be difficulty walking and coordinating movements, slurred speech, swallowing difficulties, double vision or other visual changes, facial asymmetry, weakness or sensation changes in the face or body.
If no such issues are present and the dizziness and headache are decreasing ER visit may be skipped. But if any such symptoms are present it is necessary. Also if headache and dizziness increases, vomits again it is again necessary.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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