What Causes Sudden Imbalance While Having Vascular Dementia?

Posted on Mon, 10 Jul 2017

Question: Hi. I woke at 02.15 am today with the room spinning at seemingly 100 mph. Nauseous but no vomiting. No excessive alcohol earlier. It has now happened on 7 occasions during the day. Feeling ok in between. Last one an hour ago was the worst one and was prompted by me bending over to pick up a piece of fluff on the carpet!
I am 67 yrs old. Had memory loss for a number of years. Scan in November 2016 led to psychiatrist telling me that I am in early stages of vascular dementia. All 4 hemispheres in brain affected. what can I do please?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
You are having vertigo.
Degeneration of brain tissue can cause imbalance.
Do you get dizzy while turning your head in a particular direction?
Any history of hypertension?
Any hearing difficulty?
FOllow up with the required information so that I can suggest you better and prescribe you accordingly.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

In answer to your questions:
I never ever have raised BP.
Very slightly dizzy if I turn my neck too swiftly of put me head to lean backwards - but that's because I suffered very bad whiplash (a van came into meat speed whilst I was stationary) over 40 years ago.
My hearing is not so good - noticed a slow but sure deterioration over the past two years.
I am very keen to hear from you about what I can do to ease it - even cure it. How long does it last? Are there drugs available? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi sir
Thanks for the information.
You should take tablet betahistine 16 mg twice daily and tablet stemetil twice daily for 2 weeks at least and than tell me how much improvement do you feel. The dosage of drugs needs to be managed as per the symptoms.
All the medicines I have prescribed will be available at prescription only.
Avoid driving and travel by air.
Avoid sudden head turning rather turn the upper body to avoid dizziness.
Any further questions are always welcome.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy