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What Causes Dizziness And Double Vision?

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Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015
Question: When I woke up this morning, I had the sensation of dizziness - and when I opened my eyes, I had two distinct images of the room and a "jerky-ness" of both images. I don't take medication, and don't drink or smoke. I don't have medical insurance. I will be 62 on Oct. 16.
I should have used the term nystagmus.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Suspected stroke

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

The phenomenon you describe seems to be seeing things double, double vision or diplopia as it is called. Both diplopia as well as dizziness are symptoms which are related to damage to the posterior part of your brain, which includes the brain stem and cerebellum (little brain).
Given that you describe these symptoms as of a sudden onset then stroke is the first diagnosis to be suspected.
I understand that you do not have insurance. Stroke however is an emergency diagnosis and (while I don't live in the US and am not familiar with the system there) usually is evaluated as an emergency in the ER without needing an insurance, at least for the initial neurological physical exam for signs of stroke, afterwards it will be seen from there, if such signs are found the rest of the initial management is done on an emergency basis as well.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3672 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness And Double Vision?

Brief Answer: Suspected stroke Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. The phenomenon you describe seems to be seeing things double, double vision or diplopia as it is called. Both diplopia as well as dizziness are symptoms which are related to damage to the posterior part of your brain, which includes the brain stem and cerebellum (little brain). Given that you describe these symptoms as of a sudden onset then stroke is the first diagnosis to be suspected. I understand that you do not have insurance. Stroke however is an emergency diagnosis and (while I don't live in the US and am not familiar with the system there) usually is evaluated as an emergency in the ER without needing an insurance, at least for the initial neurological physical exam for signs of stroke, afterwards it will be seen from there, if such signs are found the rest of the initial management is done on an emergency basis as well. I remain at your disposal for further questions.