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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Dizziness?
Question: My husband is dizzy. see earlier remarks. What might be wrong with him? We recently moved and do not have a family doctor yet.
He is not feeling any inner ear problems, no numbness, no pain at all. The feeling came on slowly. The first thing he did was to drink a bottle of water thinking he might be dehydrated. That did not help. He generally has fairly low blood pressure ... But I am not certain if that is compared to many people his age or compared to the recommended range.
He is not feeling any inner ear problems, no numbness, no pain at all. The feeling came on slowly. The first thing he did was to drink a bottle of water thinking he might be dehydrated. That did not help. He generally has fairly low blood pressure ... But I am not certain if that is compared to many people his age or compared to the recommended range.
Brief Answer:
Orthostatic hypotension vs cerebellar syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern.
Reading your history it is very important to better specify what kind of dizziness is your husband experiencing. Does he feels unsteadiness or the room spinning around? Does he have loss of equilibrium while walking and does light affect his eventual unsteadiness?
I think the first possibility is orthostatic hypotension, which is a venous insufficiency. Basically, while in standing position, there is less blood going in the brain, causing the symptoms you are describing. The simplest method to discover it is to measure the blood pressure in clinostatic position (lying position) and while standing. If there is important difference, then this would confirm the diagnosis.
Another possibility is a cerebellar lesion, with stroke being the first cause. A detailed neurological examination is essential, before deciding if there is any need of a cerebral MRI which would confirm it.
Other causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is more abrupt, but in some cases may have a more gradual onset.
If the symptoms persist, or involve other neurological signs, you should go the emergency room.
Hoping this answers your question, please feel free for further questions.
Wishing your husband good health
Orthostatic hypotension vs cerebellar syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have been through your question and understand your concern.
Reading your history it is very important to better specify what kind of dizziness is your husband experiencing. Does he feels unsteadiness or the room spinning around? Does he have loss of equilibrium while walking and does light affect his eventual unsteadiness?
I think the first possibility is orthostatic hypotension, which is a venous insufficiency. Basically, while in standing position, there is less blood going in the brain, causing the symptoms you are describing. The simplest method to discover it is to measure the blood pressure in clinostatic position (lying position) and while standing. If there is important difference, then this would confirm the diagnosis.
Another possibility is a cerebellar lesion, with stroke being the first cause. A detailed neurological examination is essential, before deciding if there is any need of a cerebral MRI which would confirm it.
Other causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is more abrupt, but in some cases may have a more gradual onset.
If the symptoms persist, or involve other neurological signs, you should go the emergency room.
Hoping this answers your question, please feel free for further questions.
Wishing your husband good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Unstediness or room spinning around ... He says it is hard to say. It is difficult to describe. He was certainly feeling a loss of equilibrium when walkingand asked me to walk with him. light did affect it some. when I turned on a light, it did seem unusually bright to him. He is feeling a bit better now.
Brief Answer:
Need a cardiologist and neurological consult
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. Even he is feeling better now, you should consider scheduling a cardiologist and neurological consult. Given his age he might re experience these symptoms. So you need a clinical and possibly a radiological screening. Wishing good health.
Need a cardiologist and neurological consult
Detailed Answer:
Hello again. Even he is feeling better now, you should consider scheduling a cardiologist and neurological consult. Given his age he might re experience these symptoms. So you need a clinical and possibly a radiological screening. Wishing good health.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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