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What Causes Dizziness, Headache, Sweating And Balance Issues?
Question: My husband got up yesterday morning feeling somewhat dizzy and wobbly. He has a pacemaker/defibulator. He went for his usual walk- about an hour. It was't terribly hot but it was humid. When he returned home he felt very unsteady and even more dizzy, he had a bad headache in the front of his head. He had no energy and went from sweating to being cold and back again. He slept most of yesterday. Today he called his heart doctor who said he his symptoms combined with his blood pressure, heart rate, etc (which he records daily) didn't seem like it was a problem with his heart. But he is still somewhat dizzy and says he notices it most when at first he tries to focus on something.
He attended a meeting on Wednesday where he said some of the people didn't look too well (it's an elderly community). Could this be a virus? He doesn't seemed to have improved too much today, but he is better than yesterday. Not much of an appetite but did eat cereal this morning and cheese and crackers tonight. He did not drink water before his walk but tried to hydrate yesterday upon his return into today. His headache is gone.
He attended a meeting on Wednesday where he said some of the people didn't look too well (it's an elderly community). Could this be a virus? He doesn't seemed to have improved too much today, but he is better than yesterday. Not much of an appetite but did eat cereal this morning and cheese and crackers tonight. He did not drink water before his walk but tried to hydrate yesterday upon his return into today. His headache is gone.
Brief Answer:
Can be due to dehydration or some minor heat stroke
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what your husband had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if he had been struck by some minor heat stroke or dehydration which may lead to water loss and electrolytes imbalance which may present like this. Though dizziness in a patient with a pace maker necessitates to confirm pace maker function on EKG. Clinically as you told that pulse and other vitals remained under control. Since he has started to feel better with hydration so it seems more likely to be the cause. Heart patients shouldn't have large amounts of water however it should be balanced approximately with the urinary output as if daily roughly 1 litre of urine comes then almost 1 and half litre if oral intake should be ensured. If the symptoms doesn't resolve with in few days or worsen, get his blood work up for electrolytes, renal functions and EKG done. Wishing him a quick recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Can be due to dehydration or some minor heat stroke
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what your husband had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, it seems as if he had been struck by some minor heat stroke or dehydration which may lead to water loss and electrolytes imbalance which may present like this. Though dizziness in a patient with a pace maker necessitates to confirm pace maker function on EKG. Clinically as you told that pulse and other vitals remained under control. Since he has started to feel better with hydration so it seems more likely to be the cause. Heart patients shouldn't have large amounts of water however it should be balanced approximately with the urinary output as if daily roughly 1 litre of urine comes then almost 1 and half litre if oral intake should be ensured. If the symptoms doesn't resolve with in few days or worsen, get his blood work up for electrolytes, renal functions and EKG done. Wishing him a quick recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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