Suggest Remedy For Blurred Vision And Loss Of Balance

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: i am healthy 49 year old female. yesterday I was on the highway, and felt an odd sensation in my head. It wasn't a pain, but like my balance was off. My vision also became a little cloudy. i got off highway and drove home safely, but I held the back of my neck with one hand to "steady" myself. Today i got on the highway again, and the same thing happened. Thankfully, I was able to exit safely and stay on surface roads. I live in a large city, and drive on highways daily. There are no other physical symptoms, and I am fine at home, at the grocery store, etc. I don't want to run to the doctor prematurely, but these symptoms are new and scary.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
several possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
First, you should not be very worried, most causes are benign and sometimes it happens with no obvious cause. However, it may be very dangerous on road.
considering your symptoms and age, first thing to think of is carotid artery stenosis. it means that there is atherosclerosis of neck vessels and blood flow to your brain may be reduced during blood pressure variations and this can be triggered by driving. hypertension can be another cause as well as some other neurologic issues, or heart arrythmias. If this happens again, I suggest to do carotid ultarsound and head ct scan ag least.Also, ecg and basic lab tests should be done. Check your blood pressure frequently. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Thank you for this answer. I was diagnosed with left bundle branch block about 6 and a half years ago. I have low to normal BP and no other health issues to date. I take no prescription medicine and am at a healthy weight (on slim side). I had an angiogram 6 plus yrs ago, and cardiologist said my arteries were "pristine". I do not know whether to see a cardiologist or a neurologist for these new symptoms. Also, am I too old to develop MS?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you need to see both

Detailed Answer:
Hi. You need to see neurologist first. You are not too old for MS, but optic symptoms usually go with optic neuritis which is sudden loss of almost whole vision.However MS can be ruled out only by head MRI.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T