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Are Persistent Tremors, Hallucinations And Loss Of Appetite Caused By Medical Issues With The Brain?
Posted on
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 20 Mar 2018
Answered on
Mon, 24 Jul 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : My 69 year old husband has multiple limb tremors. He is falling frequently, has hallucinations (thinking and believing things that have not happened). He's lost more than 50 pound in the last 3 months, saying he's just not hungry and refusing to eat. We've been in contact with his PCP and insurance company. After 3 trips to ER within a month we are frustrated. I've watched when he's about to fall: his legs just crumple. I'm concerned about ALS. He has a diagnosis of neck issues (stenosis) and was scheduled for surgery. It was postponed due to a bladder/kidney infection. So far, his PCP cannot release him for surgery but his condition continues to deteriorate. I've contacted a therapist to discuss life changing issues, but the physical manifestations continue to decline.
Brief Answer:
Advice to undergo neurological evaluation and CT brain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
History of tremors, frequent falls associated with hallucinations and reluctance to eat are concerning for central nervous system (brain issue) rather than peripheral muscular or spinal cord problems.
Underlying organic brain issues like hemorrhage, stroke, Parkinson's, etc need to be ruled out.
A detailed physical and neurologic examination, Imaging study of brain like CT scan, Complete blood count and electrolyte level, complete metabolic profile (especially since he is npt eating well) are needed at this point.
Please be advised to follow up with his primary provider for detailed evaluation.
Make sure that he stay hydrated and consider providing supplements to meet nutritional needs.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Advice to undergo neurological evaluation and CT brain
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
History of tremors, frequent falls associated with hallucinations and reluctance to eat are concerning for central nervous system (brain issue) rather than peripheral muscular or spinal cord problems.
Underlying organic brain issues like hemorrhage, stroke, Parkinson's, etc need to be ruled out.
A detailed physical and neurologic examination, Imaging study of brain like CT scan, Complete blood count and electrolyte level, complete metabolic profile (especially since he is npt eating well) are needed at this point.
Please be advised to follow up with his primary provider for detailed evaluation.
Make sure that he stay hydrated and consider providing supplements to meet nutritional needs.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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