What Do Chills And Uncontrollable Shaking In An Elderly Person Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 10 Nov 2016

Question: My wife, age 68, just began having chills and shaking uncontrollably. She is in good health, with no other issues. She is currently taking antibiotics (clindamycin) as part of a tooth implant procedure. She also takes synthroid, ramopril, and a statin. She tells me she just took 1 "Equate" for arthritis pain.

Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cause of chills and shaking

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for asking from HCM.

I can understand your concern. The chills and shaking or rigors could be due to

: Fever.
: Drug side effect like allergy from Clindamycin, Ramipril, Statin

Fever can happen due to
: Tooth implant infection
: Urinary tract infection
: Viral fever

You need to consult her dentist first to rule out implant infection. If implant is alright and no drug allergy, there's a need to consult physician for-

: UTI - in case of burning, foul smelling, dark coloured urine, it can be suspected. Urine routine microscopic and urine culture-sensitivity can help in diagnosing this.

: Viral fever can be suspected if body ache, rashes, weakness, no other focus of infection. Usually it subside on its own in 5-7 days. On antipyretic like Tablet Paracetamol 650mg is given along with well hydration to treat it. No antibiotic is required.

Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee