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What Causes Weakness In The Lower Legs When Diagnosed With Vascular Dementia?
Question: 72 yr old male with cardiac issues ( 7 stents, 3 yrs ago, open heart triple bypass in April of this year) is complaining this week of weakness in his lower legs. He says his legs want to give out on him when walking. Do you feel this weakness could be associated with cardiac issues? He has vascular dementia and I am not sure if this could be more associated with neurological issues, not sure if this could be a nerve sensory problem. I'm just need to know how to follow up - which direction to go in. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that his clinical situation could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, an electrolyte imbalance, peripheral neuropathy, chronic anemia, etc..
Does he have swollen legs? This could be indicative of heart failure.
Does he have numbness, or pins and needles in his legs? This would indicate possible neuropathy.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for the possible causes:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia¨
- blood electrolytes, including calcium, potassium and magnesium
- PCR, ESR for inflammation
- kidney and liver function tests.
A nerve conduction study would help examine the nerves in his limbs and investigate for possible neuropathy.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I passed carefully through your question and would explain that his clinical situation could be related to different possible causes: heart failure, an electrolyte imbalance, peripheral neuropathy, chronic anemia, etc..
Does he have swollen legs? This could be indicative of heart failure.
Does he have numbness, or pins and needles in his legs? This would indicate possible neuropathy.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with his attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests to investigate for the possible causes:
- a cardiac ultrasound
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia¨
- blood electrolytes, including calcium, potassium and magnesium
- PCR, ESR for inflammation
- kidney and liver function tests.
A nerve conduction study would help examine the nerves in his limbs and investigate for possible neuropathy.
You should discuss with his doctor on the above issues.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Your timely report and thoroughness of your reply is very much appreciated. We can rule out several items and proceed now with what we know. Thanks so much!
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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