What Causes Dizzy Spells After Radiation Therapy And Stents Placement?

Posted on Sun, 22 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 14 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband had radiation of the neck and surgery for oral cancer on 1995. 5 years ago, the doctors put in 2 stents to open up vessels damaged from the radiation. One in his neck, one in his chest. The last few months, he has begun having dizzy spells and even completely lost consciousness at one time. What can be causing this?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
may be vessel problem

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

From his history, it is apparent that the blood vessels in the neck were compromised. These vessels (carotids) supply the brain. So if there is occlusion again in the vessels, which can happen after few years after stenting, there may be episodes of dizziness and even unconsciousness.

Most likely the vessels have been occluded again, at least partly. Other explanation can be some unrecognized heart block, which can also cause similar problems.

So you need to get in touch with a neurologist/cardiologist and start investigate the symptoms with carotid Doppler, etc.

Hope this helps.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar