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What Causes Intermittent Dizziness?
Question: My 84 year old mother is have sporadic trouble with dizziness. The dizziness typically starts after she eats breakfast and gradually subsides throughout the day. She relieves the dizziness by sitting. When standing the dizziness returns.
She might experience the dizziness one day in two-three weeks or it could be two days in a week.
She might experience the dizziness one day in two-three weeks or it could be two days in a week.
Brief Answer:
Possibly dehydration, more probably orthostatic hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
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. Sporadic episodes specifically after breakfast could be due to reduce blood flow to brain. As she is able to appreciate her feeling of falling and she is able to sit down, it is due to reduced blood flow. Possible causes include dehydration and positional blood pressure variation.
2. Orthostatic hypotension is tested, however, she needs to change her posture slowly for blood pressure to adjust blood pressure properly. Above 80 years, it is very commonly seen and is related to age.
3. Staying well hydrated, proper sleep, changing postures slowly is essential. Walking stick would be beneficial. Avoid falls.
4. Need to check for anemia and hypothyroidism. Hemogram and thyroid hormone profile will be helpful. Try to get blood pressures evaluated during episodes - it should be orthostatic hypotension..
Hope this helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Possibly dehydration, more probably orthostatic hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
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. Sporadic episodes specifically after breakfast could be due to reduce blood flow to brain. As she is able to appreciate her feeling of falling and she is able to sit down, it is due to reduced blood flow. Possible causes include dehydration and positional blood pressure variation.
2. Orthostatic hypotension is tested, however, she needs to change her posture slowly for blood pressure to adjust blood pressure properly. Above 80 years, it is very commonly seen and is related to age.
3. Staying well hydrated, proper sleep, changing postures slowly is essential. Walking stick would be beneficial. Avoid falls.
4. Need to check for anemia and hypothyroidism. Hemogram and thyroid hormone profile will be helpful. Try to get blood pressures evaluated during episodes - it should be orthostatic hypotension..
Hope this helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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