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What Causes Dizziness In An Elderly Person?
Question: Hello...my father is 80 years old. Over the last year he has had problems with falling and feeling dizzy. He had been diagnosed with NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus) due to an MRI scan. He had a shunt inserted to drain the excess fluid 6 weeks ago. He has been feeling worse than before the surgery...very dizzy, even while eating! He also has been very lethargic. He had always been very active even for his age. His neurologist says be patient, but I am wondering if there could possibly be something else going on such as a balance order. According to my mother he has always had balance issues. Should he see an ENT and what tests could they run to get to the bottom of this situation? Thank you for your time,
XXXXXXX Yoas
XXXXXXX Yoas
Brief Answer:
Get Serum Electrolytes - ENT opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history about your 80 year old Father and understood the concerns.
He already have the problems with falling and feeling dizziness over a year and as your Mother says he has balance issues.
It is good that NPH has been diagnosed and treated as per the advised of the Specialist.
Ideally this should not have increased the problems of dizziness, lethargy and feeling worse than before surgery of shunt.
The probable causes may be:
Electrolyte imbalance can cause similar problems hence get the serum electrolyte readings for a few days and he will be treated accordingly as needed.
Take an opinion of the ENT Surgeon as a clinical evaluation, examination and necessary investigations will either prove or rule out the possible ENT causes and plan a treatment as needed.
Please post the reports and give feedback. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Get Serum Electrolytes - ENT opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history about your 80 year old Father and understood the concerns.
He already have the problems with falling and feeling dizziness over a year and as your Mother says he has balance issues.
It is good that NPH has been diagnosed and treated as per the advised of the Specialist.
Ideally this should not have increased the problems of dizziness, lethargy and feeling worse than before surgery of shunt.
The probable causes may be:
Electrolyte imbalance can cause similar problems hence get the serum electrolyte readings for a few days and he will be treated accordingly as needed.
Take an opinion of the ENT Surgeon as a clinical evaluation, examination and necessary investigations will either prove or rule out the possible ENT causes and plan a treatment as needed.
Please post the reports and give feedback. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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