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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Vertigo?

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Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014
Question: My husband age 73 got up this morning and within a couple of minutes developed extreme vertigo for the first time. Had gotten up and was doing stretching exercises on the floor. Crawled back to bed. Could not move and felt nausea. Slept for 2 hours. I gave him two Ginkgo Smart tabs. Slept another hour. Felt better. Was gradually getting around, reading thinking he was ok. Then it came back with a vengeance. I found him back in bed head spinning. When he raised his head, he vomited. Trying to decide if we should call 911 or ride it out for a while.
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not an emergency...Get a regular appointment!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your husband has been experiencing.

From the information you have provided, he has a problem with his balance which could result from a problem in the middle ear or a low blood pressure when he is in the upright position(orthostatic hypotension). I will like to know if he is on any medications for high blood pressure.

He would need to be evaluated for these possible causes. He needs no emergency consultation right now. Let him get a regular appointment with his doctor for evaluation. he should be sure of his steps and change positions in a very slow and gradual way to avoid rapid changes in either blood pressure or endolymph movement that the body has difficulties adapting to rapidly.

In all, measure his blood pressure and if it is normal, get a regular appointment with his doctor. Let him change positions gradually and progressively as well as avoid risky positions that can lead to severe fall related complications. If he is unsure about this, let him not move unsupported. Also, let hi drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated.

I hope this helps. I wish your husband well and tank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6321 Questions

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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Vertigo?

Brief Answer: Not an emergency...Get a regular appointment! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what your husband has been experiencing. From the information you have provided, he has a problem with his balance which could result from a problem in the middle ear or a low blood pressure when he is in the upright position(orthostatic hypotension). I will like to know if he is on any medications for high blood pressure. He would need to be evaluated for these possible causes. He needs no emergency consultation right now. Let him get a regular appointment with his doctor for evaluation. he should be sure of his steps and change positions in a very slow and gradual way to avoid rapid changes in either blood pressure or endolymph movement that the body has difficulties adapting to rapidly. In all, measure his blood pressure and if it is normal, get a regular appointment with his doctor. Let him change positions gradually and progressively as well as avoid risky positions that can lead to severe fall related complications. If he is unsure about this, let him not move unsupported. Also, let hi drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated. I hope this helps. I wish your husband well and tank you so much for using our services. Feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.