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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness, Lightheadedness And Terrible Neuropathy In The Hands And Feet

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Posted on Sat, 26 May 2018
Twitter Sat, 26 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Last reviewed on
Question : Hello. I am writing you for my father, who is 76. He has quite an issue when he eats a meal, or any food at all. Almost becomes comatose after eating, and gets dizzy, light headed, and has to sleep for quite a while. His doctor, who he has been to many times, says that he might be hypo glycemic, but they are not sure. He has had several blood tests, but they keep telling him that they have no idea why his body reacts like that to food. He also has absolutely terrible neuropathy in his hands and feet, which causes a lot of pain for him. He is on 30 mg of oxy contin A-day for the pain, and also takes neurontin because the pain is so bad. One time he ate too much, and he became so dizzy that he almost passed out. Like I said, after he eats, he can hardly move. He also gets the sweats quite often. I am trying to get a copy of his blood work for you to look at. He has seen a gastroenterologist as well, who has told him the same thing. They don't know. I am not happy with their diagnosis. Is there any advice that you could give me so that I could give it to him? Really would like to get to the bottom of this. Very concerned. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It seems to be fall of blood pressure after eating.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for the query. I understand your concern.
The symptoms your father has are typical of Postprandial hypotension.. or Fall in blood pressure after eating.
* Normally blood flow to digestive system is increased after eating ... but at the same time blood vessels in the digestive tract contracts , so vital organs like brain, heart keep on getting enough blood supply. But when blood vessels fail to contract... blood supply to brain is lesser & this causes dizziness,nausea, fainting.
* Causes - It is due to failure of co ordination between nerves of blood vessel & stomach.( Blood pressure sensors in arteries & stretch receptors in stomach ) It can be family predisposed/ nerve damage to the nerves managing blood pressure ( following stroke, accident or trauma)/ High blood pressure / this can be a part of aging
* Prevention of the symptoms can be by self care like-
- drinking 10- 18 ounces of water before 15 minutes of eating - This prevents fall of blood pressure.
-Avoiding larger meals( stretching of stomach )- this can be done by taking 6-7 small servings in place of three large meals.
- Avoiding fast digested foods.. Take slowly digested carbohydrates like proteins, healthy oils, beans& whole grains.
- Avoiding moving around for an hour after food helps in managing symptoms of the hypotension.... be in sitting or lying down posture during this time.
- Drinking of coffee before food can help few patients.
- Treatment for high blood pressure .. to keep it normal.
** Prevention has a key role in managing the fall of blood pressure after eating. as no sure shot specific medication is available, mostly self care helps.
In case of no relief, medicines can be tried with help of treating doctor.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (10 hours later)
Thank you very much for getting back to me! You have given me some good advice that I am going to pass along to my father!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Wish him a healthy life.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thanks for the feed back.I am sure the suggested lifestyle changes would help your father.I wish him healthy &Happy life.
Thanks once again
Any more information you want please don't hesitate to ask.In case you are satisfied,please grade the answer Before you close the query.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Vasudha

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Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10369 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness, Lightheadedness And Terrible Neuropathy In The Hands And Feet

Brief Answer: It seems to be fall of blood pressure after eating. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the query. I understand your concern. The symptoms your father has are typical of Postprandial hypotension.. or Fall in blood pressure after eating. * Normally blood flow to digestive system is increased after eating ... but at the same time blood vessels in the digestive tract contracts , so vital organs like brain, heart keep on getting enough blood supply. But when blood vessels fail to contract... blood supply to brain is lesser & this causes dizziness,nausea, fainting. * Causes - It is due to failure of co ordination between nerves of blood vessel & stomach.( Blood pressure sensors in arteries & stretch receptors in stomach ) It can be family predisposed/ nerve damage to the nerves managing blood pressure ( following stroke, accident or trauma)/ High blood pressure / this can be a part of aging * Prevention of the symptoms can be by self care like- - drinking 10- 18 ounces of water before 15 minutes of eating - This prevents fall of blood pressure. -Avoiding larger meals( stretching of stomach )- this can be done by taking 6-7 small servings in place of three large meals. - Avoiding fast digested foods.. Take slowly digested carbohydrates like proteins, healthy oils, beans& whole grains. - Avoiding moving around for an hour after food helps in managing symptoms of the hypotension.... be in sitting or lying down posture during this time. - Drinking of coffee before food can help few patients. - Treatment for high blood pressure .. to keep it normal. ** Prevention has a key role in managing the fall of blood pressure after eating. as no sure shot specific medication is available, mostly self care helps. In case of no relief, medicines can be tried with help of treating doctor. I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome. Thanks.