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What Causes Sharp Chest Pain Despite Having Dementia And Vertigo?
My Mom is 91, Diabetic and dementia, She has had a few episodes of vertigo first thing in the morning on and off the past 3 weeks,,,passes with rest. Tonight she was sitting in a chair and I wanted to get her up, she said she had a pinching in left chest. She pointed to the left breast. I let her rest and it passed. She is resting comfortably and tells me nothing hurts. Due to dementia, she is not a very reliable source of info. I ve checked her and she is quiet and she denies that anything hurts. Do I call the ambulance?
Thu, 5 Mar 2020
Hi,
The following things should be kept in mind:
- At her age, it could probably be 'vascular cognitive impairment' [VCI], resulting in confusion, disorientation [reason of not being a reliable source of info], so professional cognitive screening along with screening for depression is highly recommended.
- As the age advances Cervical spondylitis is the commonest cause, and because she is a known diabetic keep a check on her blood sugare level as low blood sugar, [hypoglycemia] can result in chest pain, vertigo]
- If symptoms are severe or associated with any neurological sign, consult a Neurologist.
- Check with her blood pressure, neck movements and look for pallor & murmur [Cardiologist opinion], and ask for cochlear symptoms [deafness & tinnitus] & vestibular symptoms [vertigo & nystagmus]
- If the symptoms are not promptly controlled, ask for Hb%, X-ray cervical spine [AP & Lateral], ENT & Ophthalmic checkup, till then:
- bed rest, avoid movements if symptoms are severe.
- tablet cinnarzine 25 mg [thrice daily] till symptoms are controlled.
- capsules B complex: twice daily.
PS. check baseline investigations like serum electrolytes, thyroid, and cholesterol profile and blood sugar level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood, Ayurveda Specialist
The following things should be kept in mind:
- At her age, it could probably be 'vascular cognitive impairment' [VCI], resulting in confusion, disorientation [reason of not being a reliable source of info], so professional cognitive screening along with screening for depression is highly recommended.
- As the age advances Cervical spondylitis is the commonest cause, and because she is a known diabetic keep a check on her blood sugare level as low blood sugar, [hypoglycemia] can result in chest pain, vertigo]
- If symptoms are severe or associated with any neurological sign, consult a Neurologist.
- Check with her blood pressure, neck movements and look for pallor & murmur [Cardiologist opinion], and ask for cochlear symptoms [deafness & tinnitus] & vestibular symptoms [vertigo & nystagmus]
- If the symptoms are not promptly controlled, ask for Hb%, X-ray cervical spine [AP & Lateral], ENT & Ophthalmic checkup, till then:
- bed rest, avoid movements if symptoms are severe.
- tablet cinnarzine 25 mg [thrice daily] till symptoms are controlled.
- capsules B complex: twice daily.
PS. check baseline investigations like serum electrolytes, thyroid, and cholesterol profile and blood sugar level.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood, Ayurveda Specialist
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