HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Does My Uncle See Black Spots Before Him Since Falling?

My 94 year old uncle fell 2 nights ago and hit the back of his head. At that time he said it didn't hurt. Tonight he fell in the bathroom and lit on his bottom. While waiting on help to get him up, he kept insisting there were black spots on the towels, the wall, even the toilet paper. He actually reached and got some toilet paper, spit on it and tried to wipe black spots off the wall. This is the first time he has seen them. What could cause him to see them? Thank you
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Such black spots (scotomas) are not uncommon after head injury and stroke (cerebro-vascular accident). It is possible that your uncle had a stroke and he fell down. Even if he didn't have a stroke and he fell down due to some other reason, it could still cause scotomas. They can be due to local pathology in retina, optic nerve or in problem in nervous system such as a demyelinating disease. Toxic substances and nutritional deficiencies may also can cause them.
Many scotomas that occur after stroke and brain injury disappear spontaneously.
Since your uncle has had two falls in two days, he needs to be evaluated for falls.
Take him to a doctor.
Some hospitals have a 'fall protocol for elderly' wherein they use a systematic approach to evaluate the elderly with fall for causes and suggest remedies.
I hope this answers your question.
I find this answer helpful

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Does My Uncle See Black Spots Before Him Since Falling?

Such black spots (scotomas) are not uncommon after head injury and stroke (cerebro-vascular accident). It is possible that your uncle had a stroke and he fell down. Even if he didn t have a stroke and he fell down due to some other reason, it could still cause scotomas. They can be due to local pathology in retina, optic nerve or in problem in nervous system such as a demyelinating disease. Toxic substances and nutritional deficiencies may also can cause them. Many scotomas that occur after stroke and brain injury disappear spontaneously. Since your uncle has had two falls in two days, he needs to be evaluated for falls. Take him to a doctor. Some hospitals have a fall protocol for elderly wherein they use a systematic approach to evaluate the elderly with fall for causes and suggest remedies. I hope this answers your question.