Suggest Treatment For Dizziness And Muscle Pain In An Elderly Person

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017

Question: I am a 72 year old male. In the past year I have lost nearly 20 lbs with no change in diet or daily routine. Lately I have noticed tremors in my hand, and muscle pain in my left foot and calf while sleeping. I also have short bouts of lightheadedness. Three years ago I had a heart attack. I see my cardiologist yearly and she says I have recovered. I feel fine

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Significant weight loss needs a physical check-up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist, here to answer your query.

Significant weight loss, if not explainable due to lifestyle and dietary changes,should be evaluated.For the same, I would suggest you to get a physical examination by an internist.

Further, regarding tremors,please tell a few details-
1)Do you have tremors in one or both hands?
2)Are these tremors present at rest or on doing something?
3)What factors worsen and what factors improve the tremors?
4)Do you have Thyroid or any other disorder(except known cardiac history)?

Tremors can be due to anxiety, thyroid disorder or addictions.Essential tremor is another common cause of tremors.In some patients, Parkinson's disease can result in asymmetric rest tremors.We can proceed towards the cause depending on your details.

Lastly, since when are you having muscle pain while sleeping?If of recent onset(days), it may be physiological.

I shall be glad to have you in follow-up with details so that I can answer this well further.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (21 minutes later)

Dr. Panwar -

Thank you for your quick response.

The tremors are in both hands, seem worse in the cold. Have not noticed them when moving around, but definitely while typing (right now, for example).

Cold seems to make the tremors worse. Warmth improved them.

I have no known thyroid or other disorder.

I have had occasional muscle spasms in my left calf for years. These pains are recent, in the last few weeks, and seem centered on my foot and ankle.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Essential tremors/Anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxx,
Thanks for being in follow-up and providing further details.

The symmetrical tremors which you have mentioned may most likely be 'Essential tremors' though, anxiety may play a role in tremors.

I would suggest a combination of beta blocker(propranalol) with anti-anxiety(clonazepam) in consultation with your treating physician.That will likely improve your tremors.

Further, serum electrolytes,calcium, magnesium, blood sugar,thyroid function(if it was checked long back) and 25-OH-vitamin D levels may be checked for leg pains.

I would be glad to answer if you have any further questions.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

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