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

What Causes Dizziness And Weakness While Walking?

Posted on Fri, 18 Mar 2016

Question: I entered my symptoms in the symptom checker and it said to get emergency care. I was walking down the aisle at the grocery store when I suddenly felt weak, hot, dizzy and drowsy. I took a cab home and checked my blood pressure. It was 175/86/79. It is two hours later and I still feel weak, dizzy and drowsy. My blood pressure is 153/97/79. My walking is slow and my throat feels weak. I have felt emotionally calm throughout and my heartbeat has been normal. The symptom checker listed stroke as the first diagnosis. I have had several strokes and TIAs in the last few months. This feels similar to the precursor to a stroke. Should I wait it out to see if it gets worse (such as can't speak move my limbs) or seek care now? If so, should I go to urgent care or the ER?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
TIA or early phase of stroke

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
The symptoms you have described are suggestive of TIA.
I will suggest you to go to ER immediately so that proper examination and investigations can be done and any preventive management can be given to prevent any further damage to the brain, if possible and needed.
In my opinion,you should not wait for further deterioration to occur.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Please do get back for further queries.
Wising you good health.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

I got worse after submitting my question. My speech was slurred and my walking was very slow. My diastolic bp remained at 95-100. I feel better now and think I will not go to the ER because they won't find any symptoms. Do you think it was a TIA? Would there be any point in getting a CT scan or MRI at Hospital now? Am I at risk for a stroke after this brief episode?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take an urgent consultation from a neurologist or ER

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You definitely need to consult in ER as resolution of symptoms doesn't mean you are out of danger.
Recurrent stroke and TIA are risk for stroke.
Mri may be helpful in getting the stroke diagnosis and condition of blood vessels.
You need to get evaluated for such risk factors like cardiac illness, atherosclerosis or other causes.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Upload all your previous medications and reports or prescription if available.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina