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I Have "drop Attacks" That I Experience Every So Often.
Question: I have "drop attacks" that I experience every so often. I don't lose consciousness, i just get shaky and my legs fold beneath me. It's impossible to catch myself. It occurs usually after I've been lying down. I get up, walk a few steps and just suddenly fall. There's not much warning and nothing I can do to stop it. My primary care doctor diagnosed me with autonomic dysfunction about 20 years ago but other doctors disagree. I have extremes in blood pressure as high as 217/130 and as low as 70/40. Most often it is high even with medication. I just wondered what your thoughts were about what could cause this. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that you have postural hypotension or postural orthostatic tachycardia.
Postural hypotension-This refers to a drop in blood pressure on standing. For diagnosis the blood pressure needs to drop by a specific amount.
The top value (systolic) needs to drop by 20 the bottom value (diastolic)- by 10.
In Postural orthostatic tachycardia- the pulse can increase by 30 bpm or up to 120 bpm..
There are different causes for these conditions but one of the causes includes autonomic dysfunction though, if either of these is diagnosed, your doctor may want to rule out other causes.
Some of the other causes include: (1)neuropathy due to diabetes
(2)parkinsons
(3)autoimmune diseases
(4)side effect of medication
(5)heart disease
(6)dehydration or anemia
(7)infection
Treatment varies according to the specific cause but in general treatment may consist of: (1)adjusting salt intake though if you have a history of high blood pressure as well ( you mentioned that it can sometimes go very high)- you would need to be careful with this
In persons who do not have high blood pressure- using salt tablets is sometimes recommended
(2)fludrocortisone- a type of steroid- it helps to maintain blood pressure
(3)If the symptoms are worse on waking in the morning then -be careful on waking- shift from a lying to standing position in stages, drink at least 2 glasses of cold water before rising, elevate the head of the bed
(4)stop any meds that may be causing or worsening the problem
It would be best to be assessed to find out the cause of your symptoms. A cardiologist or neurologist may be your best options.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is possible that you have postural hypotension or postural orthostatic tachycardia.
Postural hypotension-This refers to a drop in blood pressure on standing. For diagnosis the blood pressure needs to drop by a specific amount.
The top value (systolic) needs to drop by 20 the bottom value (diastolic)- by 10.
In Postural orthostatic tachycardia- the pulse can increase by 30 bpm or up to 120 bpm..
There are different causes for these conditions but one of the causes includes autonomic dysfunction though, if either of these is diagnosed, your doctor may want to rule out other causes.
Some of the other causes include: (1)neuropathy due to diabetes
(2)parkinsons
(3)autoimmune diseases
(4)side effect of medication
(5)heart disease
(6)dehydration or anemia
(7)infection
Treatment varies according to the specific cause but in general treatment may consist of: (1)adjusting salt intake though if you have a history of high blood pressure as well ( you mentioned that it can sometimes go very high)- you would need to be careful with this
In persons who do not have high blood pressure- using salt tablets is sometimes recommended
(2)fludrocortisone- a type of steroid- it helps to maintain blood pressure
(3)If the symptoms are worse on waking in the morning then -be careful on waking- shift from a lying to standing position in stages, drink at least 2 glasses of cold water before rising, elevate the head of the bed
(4)stop any meds that may be causing or worsening the problem
It would be best to be assessed to find out the cause of your symptoms. A cardiologist or neurologist may be your best options.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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