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What Does Dizziness After Bypass Surgery Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2015
Question: My uncle had quadruple bypass three years ago and has been experiencing dizziness latlely. He says he is not on any meds and just has physical and everything is normal then what could be causing the dizziness?


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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I appreciate your concern about your uncle.

Since you say he's had a physical recently I am assuming signs indicating heart issues or general conditions like anemia, liver or kidney disease have been excluded.

So looking at other possible causes, a common cause is inner ear conditions, an organ which is very much involved in balance. Usually the dizziness takes the form of vertigo (sensation of spinning), often influenced by changes in head position. Antihistaminics like meclizine can help.

Another possible cause could be neck problems like arthritis, which can lead to compression of upper cervical nerve roots. These nerves are also involved in balance as they provide the brain with information on head and neck position. An xray, can help in diagnose, at times neck MRI is recommended. Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

Looking at history of bypass, meaning he is an individual with a high risk of vessel disease in other areas, one more alternative might be stenosis (narrowing) of the neck vessels, like the vertebral arteries. These vessels supply with blood the posterior part of the brain responsible for balance, so their narrowing might lead to transitory low perfusion and signs. Can be evaluated by ultrasound or by CT/MRI of blood vessels.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Does Dizziness After Bypass Surgery Indicate?

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I appreciate your concern about your uncle. Since you say he's had a physical recently I am assuming signs indicating heart issues or general conditions like anemia, liver or kidney disease have been excluded. So looking at other possible causes, a common cause is inner ear conditions, an organ which is very much involved in balance. Usually the dizziness takes the form of vertigo (sensation of spinning), often influenced by changes in head position. Antihistaminics like meclizine can help. Another possible cause could be neck problems like arthritis, which can lead to compression of upper cervical nerve roots. These nerves are also involved in balance as they provide the brain with information on head and neck position. An xray, can help in diagnose, at times neck MRI is recommended. Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Looking at history of bypass, meaning he is an individual with a high risk of vessel disease in other areas, one more alternative might be stenosis (narrowing) of the neck vessels, like the vertebral arteries. These vessels supply with blood the posterior part of the brain responsible for balance, so their narrowing might lead to transitory low perfusion and signs. Can be evaluated by ultrasound or by CT/MRI of blood vessels. I remain at your disposal for further questions.