Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Constant Dizzy Spells In A Person With Parkinson's Disease?
Question: My mom, 74 years old, has Parkinson for more than 5 years. She has constant dizzy spells for more than 3 years, sitting down and laying down. We told her neurologist about her condition, neurologist asked her to talk to family doctor. Family doctor /GP said it is because of her Parkinson. We also went to ENT to check, they did the test and said no issue with her inner ears. Its affecting her life, as she cannot do anything.
Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.
Any suggestion are greatly appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Possible postural hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Parkinsonism is not known to cause dizziness usually.
2. To further comment about the cause, i will require more details of her dizziness.
a. Does the dizziness increase during change in posture - like sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting or sleeping to standing?. If it is, it is possibly postural hypotension.
b. If the dizziness occurs in any position, suddenly - it is usually vertigo due to problems in inner ears. Now, that it is evaluated, other causes needs to be though of.
c. If it is only in standing or walking around - leg muscle weakness could be possible.
d. Any other chronic diseases - like hypertension, diabetes mellitus etc
e. Any investigations done - Hemoglobin level, thyroid hormone profile is needed.
f. Medications being taken.
It appears to be postural hypotension, where due to old age, the baroreceptors in the carotid area, would take longer time to adjust to changing position. The blood circulation to brain will be less during this change in position, which will cause dizziness.
Slow change of posture, will reduce dizziness. Venous stockings can be used.
If more details are available, I can comment further.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Possible postural hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Parkinsonism is not known to cause dizziness usually.
2. To further comment about the cause, i will require more details of her dizziness.
a. Does the dizziness increase during change in posture - like sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting or sleeping to standing?. If it is, it is possibly postural hypotension.
b. If the dizziness occurs in any position, suddenly - it is usually vertigo due to problems in inner ears. Now, that it is evaluated, other causes needs to be though of.
c. If it is only in standing or walking around - leg muscle weakness could be possible.
d. Any other chronic diseases - like hypertension, diabetes mellitus etc
e. Any investigations done - Hemoglobin level, thyroid hormone profile is needed.
f. Medications being taken.
It appears to be postural hypotension, where due to old age, the baroreceptors in the carotid area, would take longer time to adjust to changing position. The blood circulation to brain will be less during this change in position, which will cause dizziness.
Slow change of posture, will reduce dizziness. Venous stockings can be used.
If more details are available, I can comment further.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
