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What Causes Severe Shivering And Stomach Pain In A 90 Year Old Woman?
Question: Hi, I'm XXXX and my email is YYYY@YYYY . My mother (DOB 3/15/1926) started shaking about 50 minutes ago. She says that she feels sick to her stomach too. I've covered her up and given her ice for her head, back of neck, and lower back (as requested). She refuses medical help and has all manner of written notes to this effect. However, is there anything I can do to help her? Just now she seems to be resting much more comfortably and I haven't seen her shake for the last two or three minutes. Thanks for your help. XXXX
Brief Answer:
Measure her body temperature first.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
First, you have to measure the body temperature of your mother, because there may be any underlying infection ( common flu, urinary tract or respiratory infections ) that is causing shaking.
If high fever, plenty of fluids and paracetamol use should help her get improved.
If shaking is located only in one side of body, no fever and there is compromise of consciousness it could be a seizure and medical evaluation is needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
Measure her body temperature first.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
First, you have to measure the body temperature of your mother, because there may be any underlying infection ( common flu, urinary tract or respiratory infections ) that is causing shaking.
If high fever, plenty of fluids and paracetamol use should help her get improved.
If shaking is located only in one side of body, no fever and there is compromise of consciousness it could be a seizure and medical evaluation is needed.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Shaking was all over and mother never runs any type of a fever and she almost never has any type of a cold. She is very much in her right mind. She seems to be doing much better now. I wonder if she took her ex-lax yesterday and if that could have precipitated some of this? I also worry about what I'll do if she is in pain some day. Not having anything to do with the medical profession is her choice but I won't want to see her suffering at the end of her life! I don't know if I mentioned it, but mother has been in bed full time since the last day of August, 2012. I struggle to get her up in the sitting position for at least 1/2 hour each day. Parenting has its challenges.
Brief Answer:
Painkillers should be used if in pain.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Laxative use could cause shaking because of the stomach cramps it may induce.
So, if there is no fever, this may be the cause of shaking.
Sice your mother stayed for long time in bed, urinary tract infection is very probably to be present and it may be causing the shaking too.
If you notice that your mother is suffering from any pain or will suffer in the future, the only way to ease her pain is to use painkillers.
Ibuprofen for example could be used as a start for this purpose.
If stronger painkillers will be needed (tramadol for example), you should discuss with your mother's primary care Doctor about prescribing those drugs.
Hope I helped you.
Best regards.
Painkillers should be used if in pain.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Laxative use could cause shaking because of the stomach cramps it may induce.
So, if there is no fever, this may be the cause of shaking.
Sice your mother stayed for long time in bed, urinary tract infection is very probably to be present and it may be causing the shaking too.
If you notice that your mother is suffering from any pain or will suffer in the future, the only way to ease her pain is to use painkillers.
Ibuprofen for example could be used as a start for this purpose.
If stronger painkillers will be needed (tramadol for example), you should discuss with your mother's primary care Doctor about prescribing those drugs.
Hope I helped you.
Best regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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