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What Causes Loss In Sense Of Direction?
Question: RECENTLY I LEFT MY APARTMENT AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE LOCAL STREETS (THAT I DRIVE EVERY DAY) I LOST MY SENSE OF DIRECTION AND ALTHOUGH I FELT LIKE THE AREA WAS FAMILIAR TO ME I WAS UNCERTAIN WHICH DIRECTION TO TURN TO GET TO MY DESTINATION AT A COUPLE OF INTERSECTIONS. THIS CONDITION LASTED FOR ABOUT 5 TO 10 MINUTES AND HAS NOT REOCCURED IN THE LAST 4 DAYS. I AM 67 YEARS OLD. SUGGESTIONS?
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Brief Answer:
Suggested to have a medical evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query.
I understand that your recent experience must have been scary. Now, from the description of your symptoms, I can think of a few possible causes for your transient confusional state. The common causes are dehydration, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or salt electrolyte) imbalance. However, sometimes, there can be more serious possibilities like poor blood flow to the brain (known as Transient Ischemic Attack), a type of seizure (called temporal lobe epilepsy), etc.
Unfortunately, with only this symptom of transient confusion, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact diagnosis. So, what I would recommend is that you see a doctor and have a medical evaluation done, so that any serious possibilities are ruled out.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Suggested to have a medical evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your query.
I understand that your recent experience must have been scary. Now, from the description of your symptoms, I can think of a few possible causes for your transient confusional state. The common causes are dehydration, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or salt electrolyte) imbalance. However, sometimes, there can be more serious possibilities like poor blood flow to the brain (known as Transient Ischemic Attack), a type of seizure (called temporal lobe epilepsy), etc.
Unfortunately, with only this symptom of transient confusion, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact diagnosis. So, what I would recommend is that you see a doctor and have a medical evaluation done, so that any serious possibilities are ruled out.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Should I first go to my general practitioner or seek out a specialist?
Brief Answer:
Better to meet your GP first
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I would recommend that you see your GP first. You need to first have a thorough physical examination, including a neurological examination. You may also need a few blood tests - to check your sugar, levels, electrolyte levels, etc. In case any specific problem is detected by your GP during this process of evaluation, he should then refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Better to meet your GP first
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I would recommend that you see your GP first. You need to first have a thorough physical examination, including a neurological examination. You may also need a few blood tests - to check your sugar, levels, electrolyte levels, etc. In case any specific problem is detected by your GP during this process of evaluation, he should then refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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