HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Lightheadedness?

default
Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Question: every once in a while I feel light headed. No other symptoms; loss of balance, chest pain, headaches, slurring of speech. had complete work up and was determined that I was de hydrated. Been drinking lots of water. taking several meds such as blood pressure medicine as well as Lexapro for years. lasts less than a second. never happens while I exercise or play tennis. Generally when I am seated. sometimes when I get hungry

thougths?

doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Assessment of head and neck blood vessels required

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Lightheadedness in elderly is commonly caused by vascular disorders.
Decreased blood supply to brain can result in lightheadedness and black outs.
Decreased blood supply can occur due to obstruction, vaso-vagal syncope or spasm of blood vessels.
Doppler study is required to assess the status of the blood vessels.
Consult your physician for clinical assessment and relevant investigations.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (58 minutes later)
You are missing the point
I never feel light headed when I exetcise
All blood tests are normal , ekg and stress test are normal
No chest pain, headaches or slurred speech
My internist is not seemingly concerned
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Doppler studies will R/o vascular disorders.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,

Yes, I understand your point.
The light headedness can be due to vascular disorders of vessels supplying the brain.
Cardiovascular disorders may not be associated with chest pain and may not cause a positive stress test or any other cardiovascular test.
A Doppler study will rule out or diagnose vascular disorders of head and neck.
The light headedness could be a normal headache, however, since you are elderly, this possibility has to be ruled out.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Lightheadedness?

Brief Answer: Assessment of head and neck blood vessels required Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. Lightheadedness in elderly is commonly caused by vascular disorders. Decreased blood supply to brain can result in lightheadedness and black outs. Decreased blood supply can occur due to obstruction, vaso-vagal syncope or spasm of blood vessels. Doppler study is required to assess the status of the blood vessels. Consult your physician for clinical assessment and relevant investigations. If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal