Are Loss Of Balance And Tendencies To Fall Serious Medical Issues That Need To Be Addressed In A DVT Patient?

Posted on Thu, 22 Apr 2021

Question: I am age 68, had a DVT in January 2018, relatively good health, 190, 5'10", Caucasian.
Yesterday, I loss my balance and fell to my left.
I tried to get up but still fell to my left.
I have been walking normally since then.
However, I feel a tendency to fall to my left.
Thank you
YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
TIA, further workup required

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description, Transient ischemic attack is the likely cause which involves brief episode of neurological dysfunction due to ischemia. It has the same presentation as in stroke, such as weakness on one side of the body as you experienced but the symptoms are reversible within 24 hours and do not persist.

Coagulopathy, previous stroke or TIAs further increase the risk factor for such an episode. PT/APTT INR should be checked to see if its in therapeutic range. The dose of warfarin can be adjusted accordingly. Brain imaging (CT/MRI) and/or angiogram can be advised, in consultation with your doctor. The imaging is to rule out a stroke or bleed and the angiogram is to determine which vessel is blocked or bleeding , subsequently. Carotid doppler should also be done.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Dear Dr. Khalil: Thank you so much. I am have venous sufficiency studies done tomorrow. I will discuss with my physician at that time. Thank you again.- XXXX

Please defined "coagulopathy" and if a DVT is considered a coagulopathy. On Wednesday, I will have my INR checked to determine if I am within the proper range (2.0 to 3.0). I am relatively high functioning (if you consider the practice of law as high functioning), completing a motion for the Court of Appeals in Illinois in the past hour. Thanks.- XXXX, Esq.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Dear Dr. Khalil: Please defined "coagulopathy" and if a DVT is considered a coagulopathy. On Wednesday, I will have my INR checked to determine if I am within the proper range (2.0 to 3.0). I am relatively high functioning (if you consider the practice of law as high functioning), completing a motion for the Court of Appeals in Illinois in the past hour. Thanks.-Phillip Bazzo, Esq.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
DVT Is Not a coagulopathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

No, DVT is not a coagulopathy. Coagulopathy basically involves excessive bleeding.

You have an excessive clotting state which is known as hypercoagulable disorder or thrombophilia.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj