What Causes Dizziness With A History Of Head Injury?

Posted on Wed, 17 Aug 2016

Question: I had a head injury seven months back, haemorrhage seen, treated. OK.
Last few weeks I have been getting spells of dizziness, mostly when getting into /out of bed. And shifting of head in bed. Once felt very dizzy when doing exercise. I was recommended MRI. The result shows all normal except for ischemic gloss-bilateral frontal white matter. Is this something of concern ?
I am 73, and a diabetic- insulin twice a day. But otherwise normal and active mentally and physically.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These MRI findings are not of concern.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your medical details and MRI brain findings. I would like to reassure you that these are not suggestive of any serious disease. Also, these are not related to your current symptoms of dizziness.

Your dizziness is most probably due to an inner ear problem, called as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). This is a self limiting condition in most people, with recovery occurring in about a week's time.

The MRI changes are non-specific ischemic changes (slight decrease in blood supply of brain) and may be due to diabetes.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (21 hours later)

Thanks, Doctor.
Prior to the MRI, I was prescribed two medicines- Torleva and Dizitac. I understand Dizitac, but Torleva seems to be meant for epilepsy etc. Is it OK to have these ?

I also did not mention that I am a diabetic, taking Insulin shots twice a day. But it is under reasonable control- 110-120 FBS and 200 PP. Hopefully diabetes has no impact on the brain....

Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Torleva is most probably not needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more information.

I agree that Torleva (levetiracetam) is used for treating epilepsy. So, you do not need Torleva, as you do not have any seizures/epileptic fits. Please check with your doctor before stopping Torleva.

Diabetes does affect brain and it is a major risk factor of brain stroke. PP sugar should be brought down to 140.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

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

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (14 hours later)

Thanks, Doctor !

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Best wishes

Detailed Answer:
Thank you and best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

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