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What Causes Persistent Lightheadedness And Muscle Cramps?

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Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016
Question: For about 3 months I have been suffering from my balance off with light headedness also this week I have had spagsemsin middle of the chest now today cramping in middle of my back what is this feel like gas build up is it that ?MY MAIN CONCERN IS THIS STUPID LIGHT HEADED AND CRAMPS IN MIDDLE OF BACK NOW, MY EAR DOCTOR SAID MY VESTIPALUR IS GIVING ME A PROBLE BUT FOR 3 MONTHS EVERY DAY ON AND OFF ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sherrymcginnis, thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. The light headedness could be due to many reasons

: Ear disease damaging vestibular system - It can be benign positional vertigo, vestibular infection, labyrinthitis. It usually presents as
vertigo
balance difficulty
eye rolling movements
Relief in symptoms with time on its own

It can be confirmed by
: Ear examination
: Hallpike method
: Nystagmography
: Vestibular function like dynamic visual acuity.
You can ask your doctor to confirm it. Usually, all these conditions are treatable. You can take
: Betahistine
: Cinnarizine with or without Dimenhydrinate

; Cerebellar disease - It causes
vertigo with severe balance difficulty, hand tremors, incoordination.
Usually symptoms are refractory to treatment.

Usual cause of cerebellar damage is alcohol intake. It can be because of age, degenerative disease and sometimes tumor. You can ask doctor for cerebellar tests and MRI brain to rule out its involvement.

; Other temporary causes of light headedness can be

Low BP

Dehydration

Arterial narrowing of cerebral arteries like carotid artery. It can be evaluated by Doppler of neck vessels.

All these conditions can be treated by increased fluid intake, BP monitoring. Arterial narrowing requires
: Lipid lowering drugs like Atrovastatin
: Antiplatelet therapy like Clopidogrel-Aspirin combination or alone
: Sometimes surgery like stenting

Now coming to back muscle spasm, it could be balance problem and back injury or stretching. It can be treated by

: Hot fomentation 4-6 times daily
: Gradual stretching after pain relief under supervision
: Painkiller like Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription.
: Bed rest

Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, let me know.

Thanks. Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (13 minutes later)
yes I checked my bp it was at that time 135 over 76 and sugar was 115 so I do have a vestepular injury to right ear about 7 years ago haven't had problems for years but 3 months ago I started rehab for my foot and it started up again hard to walk at times
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking.


Your BP was alright at that time. In general, Blood pressure lower than 90/60 mm Hg is considered low BP. As you have a history of vestibular injury, it is the most probable cause of imbalance. But still ask your doctor to confirm it with vestibular function tests.

Further treatment will be started after confirmation. I have already mentioned drugs to relieve symptoms. You can start it after proper prescription.

Hope it will help you. Thanks, take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ishu Bishnoi

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 901 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Lightheadedness And Muscle Cramps?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hi Sherrymcginnis, thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. The light headedness could be due to many reasons : Ear disease damaging vestibular system - It can be benign positional vertigo, vestibular infection, labyrinthitis. It usually presents as vertigo balance difficulty eye rolling movements Relief in symptoms with time on its own It can be confirmed by : Ear examination : Hallpike method : Nystagmography : Vestibular function like dynamic visual acuity. You can ask your doctor to confirm it. Usually, all these conditions are treatable. You can take : Betahistine : Cinnarizine with or without Dimenhydrinate ; Cerebellar disease - It causes vertigo with severe balance difficulty, hand tremors, incoordination. Usually symptoms are refractory to treatment. Usual cause of cerebellar damage is alcohol intake. It can be because of age, degenerative disease and sometimes tumor. You can ask doctor for cerebellar tests and MRI brain to rule out its involvement. ; Other temporary causes of light headedness can be Low BP Dehydration Arterial narrowing of cerebral arteries like carotid artery. It can be evaluated by Doppler of neck vessels. All these conditions can be treated by increased fluid intake, BP monitoring. Arterial narrowing requires : Lipid lowering drugs like Atrovastatin : Antiplatelet therapy like Clopidogrel-Aspirin combination or alone : Sometimes surgery like stenting Now coming to back muscle spasm, it could be balance problem and back injury or stretching. It can be treated by : Hot fomentation 4-6 times daily : Gradual stretching after pain relief under supervision : Painkiller like Diclofenac sodium after proper prescription. : Bed rest Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, let me know. Thanks. Take care.