What Causes Bouts Of Confusion,weakness And Fatigue?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jan 2014

Question: My husband is 86 years old. He has just spent 3 1/2 months in and out of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. I feel at this time he is being overmedicated and I feel some of his meds are interacting with others. He is taking: Lipitor, Potassium, Lisinopril, Diltiazen, Metroprol, Flomas, Tramadol, Digoxin, Aspirin, Probiotic, Vit. D and Tums. We have a Dr. visit tomorrow and I want to ask questions but would like to at least be generally informed as to what to ask. I feel he has bouts of confusion, weakness, fatigue. Sleeps about 20 out of 24 hours if we don't have something planned. He is getting PT at home. If we go out in the car he stays awake pretty much but if at home he is asleep. Any advice?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Karanwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Problems are age-related and due to heart failure Detailed Answer: Hi Mrs. XXXX, Thanks for your query. It is difficult to come to a conclusion in the absence of latest test reports, done during his hospital stay. However, given his ailments, I am personally of the opinion that he is on appropriate treatment. At this age, the body's capability of maintaining water and electrolyte balance tends to be poor. This is further compounded by a failed heart. Hence, the possible causes of his present state are:- * electrolyte (particularly Sodium and Potassium) imbalance * dehydration * inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the brain due to heart failure, or * post-illness fatigue (called asthenia). You may therefore discuss these aspects with your doctor and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with my assessment; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will modify the treatment, if required. Hope I have addressed to your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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