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Suggest Treatment For Dementia And Balancing Issues
Question: My primary care doctor sent me to a neurologist for a balance and walking gait problem.
My neurologist took a MRI and saw some widening of fissures in brain. No clear diagnosis, but differential diagnosis is either NP hydrocephalus, early dementia, or abnormal shrinkage of brain. I am 71yo.
Had a spinal tap (approx. 30ml). No apparent change in symptoms.
My primary care doctor suggested taking Namenda.
I nor my spouse is aware of any cognizant problems either before or after spinal tap.
What are your thoughts on taking Namenda XR without a firm diagnosis??
Any of your thoughts would be appreciated.
XXXX
My neurologist took a MRI and saw some widening of fissures in brain. No clear diagnosis, but differential diagnosis is either NP hydrocephalus, early dementia, or abnormal shrinkage of brain. I am 71yo.
Had a spinal tap (approx. 30ml). No apparent change in symptoms.
My primary care doctor suggested taking Namenda.
I nor my spouse is aware of any cognizant problems either before or after spinal tap.
What are your thoughts on taking Namenda XR without a firm diagnosis??
Any of your thoughts would be appreciated.
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Namenda should not be taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your symptoms, MRI report and your doctor's recommendations.
I agree that a confirmed diagnosis is required, and it has not been made yet. You require a detailed evaluation by a neurologist to determine the problem.
Namenda (memantine) is a drug used for treating dementia. In your case, it is unlikely to benefit, as you do not have features of dementia. So, in my opinion, you should not take Namenda.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Namenda should not be taken.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist and would try my best to help you.
I have noted your symptoms, MRI report and your doctor's recommendations.
I agree that a confirmed diagnosis is required, and it has not been made yet. You require a detailed evaluation by a neurologist to determine the problem.
Namenda (memantine) is a drug used for treating dementia. In your case, it is unlikely to benefit, as you do not have features of dementia. So, in my opinion, you should not take Namenda.
I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.
Wishing you good health,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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