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What Causes Difficulty Keeping Eyes Open Along With Neurological Disorder Symptoms?
Question: Hi
My husband age 64 has over the last 4 month developed a slow gait. I often observe him shuffling with his hands held at waist level about 8 inches in front of him. Many people have observed this behavior with out a comment from me. He seems unable to speed up his gait. His movements seem very deliberate.
Additionally, over the same time period he often has difficulty keeping his eyes open. He discribes it as "they just want to close." It happens at dinner even with company. He often feels a warm face cloth helps.
Than you, XXXXXXX
My husband age 64 has over the last 4 month developed a slow gait. I often observe him shuffling with his hands held at waist level about 8 inches in front of him. Many people have observed this behavior with out a comment from me. He seems unable to speed up his gait. His movements seem very deliberate.
Additionally, over the same time period he often has difficulty keeping his eyes open. He discribes it as "they just want to close." It happens at dinner even with company. He often feels a warm face cloth helps.
Than you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
The symptoms you describe might reflect development of a neurological disorder. I think this should be evaluated by his primary care physician as soon as possible.
Certain neurological disorders can present like this including Parkinson's disease as well as another disorder called myasthenia gravis. There are other possible metabolic causes including thyroid dysfunction or electrolyte abnormalities.
I think it would be a good idea for him to have a good physical examination and possibly a laboratory evaluation by his primary care doctor.
The primary care doctor might consider a referral to a specialist in the field of neurology to further evaluate the symptoms you have described.
Thanks again for sharing your health care concern.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
The symptoms you describe might reflect development of a neurological disorder. I think this should be evaluated by his primary care physician as soon as possible.
Certain neurological disorders can present like this including Parkinson's disease as well as another disorder called myasthenia gravis. There are other possible metabolic causes including thyroid dysfunction or electrolyte abnormalities.
I think it would be a good idea for him to have a good physical examination and possibly a laboratory evaluation by his primary care doctor.
The primary care doctor might consider a referral to a specialist in the field of neurology to further evaluate the symptoms you have described.
Thanks again for sharing your health care concern.
sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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