What Causes Double Vision In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015

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

Mon, 11 May 2015 Answered on

Thu, 4 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My father is 89 years old and is getting very frail. He is now complaining of double vision and vertigo. He is going to the doctor tomorrow, but as with many parents, they never want to tell their children everything. I understand that you have not seen him and do not his medical history, just wanted some thoughts. Thank you in advance. XXXXXXX XXX

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information if possible....

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

Diplopia or double vision can result from many causes ranging from the local eye pathology like corneal abnormality or cataract, extraocular muscles pathology or a defective function of nerves supplying extraocular muscles. Finally,central causes like stroke can also cause diplopia.

However,when we have a syndrome of vertigo with diplopia,most likely localization becomes 'central'. The central pathologies like stroke,aneurysm,space occupying lesion can cause such manifestations. But before we conclude the possibility, I would like to ask a few details in order to answer the query better-
1)Since how many days,these symptoms have started?
2)Was the onset -sudden or gradual?
3)Are the symptoms static or progressive?
4)Any other past medical history-Diabetes,Hypertension,stroke or any other illness?Any other disease history?
5)Any history of injury or trauma?
6)History of fever,seizures or loss of consciousness?

Overall,I am interested in knowing the details that how the symptoms started and evolved?

Waiting for your follow-up query with the details I asked?

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad