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My Friend Was At A Luncheon Where I Noticed That

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Posted on Sat, 31 Aug 2019
Question: My friend was at a luncheon where i noticed that i could no longer understand her speech. She has had an essential tremor for a long time. Now her speech is guttural, broken in to sounds or syllables, and not intelligible. She is very frustrated and knows what she wants to say. At her age, 83, is this possible Parkinson’s?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A ministroke is more likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

If only the speech was impaired, Parkinson' s is very unlikely.

A stroke is more possible and, imaging studies such as MRI of the brain is necessary.

Doppler ultrasound for cervical arteries situation and cardiac work up are also necessary in order to understand correctly the cause.

Discuss with the Neurologist for these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4499 Questions

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My Friend Was At A Luncheon Where I Noticed That

Brief Answer: A ministroke is more likely. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service. I have read your query and here is my advice. If only the speech was impaired, Parkinson' s is very unlikely. A stroke is more possible and, imaging studies such as MRI of the brain is necessary. Doppler ultrasound for cervical arteries situation and cardiac work up are also necessary in order to understand correctly the cause. Discuss with the Neurologist for these issues. Hope you found the answer helpful. Feel free to ask if you have further questions.