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What Causes Episodes Of Fainting, Headache And Vertigo?
Question: 67 years old have had several instances with fainting spells ! i fall and they only last seconds but have hit my head!! normally have head aches for two days and some vertigo ! don't seem to have any feeling when this is going to happen ? any thoughts ?
Brief Answer:
Need to exclude syncope or seizures.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and the two possibilities in your case are syncope and seizures (syncope is more likely).
In syncope, the blood flow to brain reduces for a short while due to a drop in blood pressure or heart rate, usually in sitting or standing position. After a fall, consciousness returns in a few seconds. There is no confusion after that. Head up tilt test (HUTT) can exclude this diagnosis.
In seizures, the person faints in any position (even in lying down position). And there is confusion for a few minutes after regaining consciousness. EEG test can be done to exclude the diagnosis.
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
Need to exclude syncope or seizures.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your symptoms and the two possibilities in your case are syncope and seizures (syncope is more likely).
In syncope, the blood flow to brain reduces for a short while due to a drop in blood pressure or heart rate, usually in sitting or standing position. After a fall, consciousness returns in a few seconds. There is no confusion after that. Head up tilt test (HUTT) can exclude this diagnosis.
In seizures, the person faints in any position (even in lying down position). And there is confusion for a few minutes after regaining consciousness. EEG test can be done to exclude the diagnosis.
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
Answered by
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