Had An Attack Of Vertigo. Weak In Legs, Cannot Walk Straight And Sometimes Glassy Eyed. Suggest The Treatment?

Posted on Tue, 29 Oct 2013

Question: I have a mother that is 75 years old and in February of this year she had an attack of Vertigo or so we thought, she has not been the same ever since, she is weak in her legs, very wobbily, can not walk straight, very disoriented and is sometimes very glassy eyed, like she is spaced out.....

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Suggested neurology consultation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.

It has been almost 7 months since February and if your mother is experiencing difficulties like weakness, inability to walk straight and disoriented, a complete neurology consultation and clinical examination is very much necessary for her.

These symptoms may relate to small strokes which might have occurred at that time or probably a neuropsychiatric manifestation which needs to be addressed urgently.

Imaging studies like CT scan or MRI scan brain may be required to know of any structural changes that may be present which are causing her problems.

Vertigo itself can be caused by problems in inner ear, in the brain and stress anxiety. Inability to walk straight may be due to problems in the cerebellum. Disorientation can result from changes in higher centers of the brain. Investigating for underlying medical problems is also important.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.

Regards,
Dr. Vivek

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