
Have High Cholesterol And Diabetes. Feeling Dizzy, Unbalanced. MRI Done. Is It An Inner Ear Infection?


I take this query today. I think I can clear all the confusions that you have. Let us work together on it and our discussion should help you for sure.
First your medical condition is progressive in nature. I mean the pathology. The symptoms may improve or may not. At this age the chances of complete recovery is distant. The following facts are to be kept in mind. Age and senility are irreversible. Uncontrolled Diabetes, high lipids and blood pressure will deteriorate it further.
The brain is supplied by two main carotid arteries which are partially blocked because of various reasons. The plaques in these arteries may be fragile and can break to shoot a volley of clots at any time thus leading to multiple smaller blocks in the distal vessels in the brain. If you body defense is good they try to clear the blocks but some may be missed. They go and block smaller vessels in the brain and cause multiple strokes. This is microvascular Ischemic vessel disease.
The doctor would have prescribed you anticoagulants to prevent major stroke and to clear plaques. This is part of the protocol of treating. Over this the anti cholesterol drugs will do their action to prevent more fat piling up at the already deposited plaques. Medicines for diabetes and blood pressure help too. All the more you should take medicines at the same time for them to work correctly.
Coming to the symptoms of weakness, rigidity they can progress at time and regress few times. Complete mobility to what you were a decade ago may not possible from this stage. yes I would be happy if you can carry out daily activities without depending on your daughter. Inner strength and motivation is important at this stage and you can do miracles. You should be strong enough and be motivated to strengthen the muscles and prevent falls. Carryout the active physio and passive strengthening. Let you physio demonstrate / make your muscles work. A Psychologist help is also required time to time.
Yes there is a risk and it can turn out to be serious but you can overcome it with the above recommendations. You should forget what the doctor said and move on with recommended therapy. Never stay alone at home unattended.
Dizziness and headache, postural hypotension are commonly seen by us at this stage because of microvascular disease in the brain. Ear infection may add to it. If you have discharge through ear and pain you need immediate consult with antibiotics. Remember that any stress like infection and any other inflammation can trigger more volley of clots. We see them day to day in our practice.
Hope I gave given insight into the issue. I can be of good help to you whenever you wish to talk.
All the best.


I think it is 325 mg Aspirin and not 3.25mg, it cannot be lesser than that. It is an anticoagulant. THink that these are your life saviors. Unfortunately they run a risk of gut bleed at this dose. I suggest to add Omeprazole 40 mg every day. There is a chance of aspirin and stress induced gastritis. You can prevent this.
You should respect your physician and believe in him. The faith and trust is all important. If you were my patient I would ask a come back every month or 45 days for counseling. Taking a second opinion from Neurologist can open a new perspective as they are trained in it. I have a good Neurologist who gives better and unbiased opinions online. Some inputs from him to check how to prevent dementia may be helpful. If you wish to take I can refer his link to you.
'End of life' thoughts should not creep at this stage when you are highly motivated to help yourself.
Take cautious walk, always walk in highly lit areas. Prevent falls and fractures. Calcium and Vit D fortifed slim milk two glasses a day. Stool should be soft, do not strain. Ask your doctor about food interactions with the medications that you take. Work on learning mediation and breathing exercises. They truly prolong the quality of life.
If you like my answers please rate them at the end of our discussion.

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