What Causes Nausea And Hallucinations In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017

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

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 Answered on

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 66-YO husband experienced an unusual episode of nausea and hallucinations yesterday. He stopped his home project, ate something, sat down for awhile and it passed. He 5'11' tall, is not obese, (~200lbs & a little thick around the middle), has low BP (120/70), total cholesterol = 135, does not have diabetes, does not take any medication except allergy pills and occasional NSAIDs for aches and pains, his father never recovered from a massive stroke in his 80's, he drinks moderately, has a metal plate in his skull from a childhood head trauma, and is an otherwise normal partially retired guy who likes to work around the house. Does this sound like a stroke?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
NO!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.

I have reviewed the information fully and this does;t sound like stroke. He really doesn’t have the risk factors for stroke and the symptoms are not very suggestive. He might have rather suffered from falling blood pressure and more so if he was working outdoors in hot weather. He should always pay attention to eating and drinking enough so as to avoid further similar episodes.

I hope this clarifies your worries. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if you have any further concerns.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Thank you. What about the hallucinations? He's never had mental health issues. He was more concerned about not being able to 'stop' the images; he had to wait them out,

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thesis not hallucination!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This is not a hallucination. Hallucinations are more disorganized and do not relate in most instances to the exact prevailing circumstances. I still believe dehydration probably caused these symptoms. Let’s be on the look out if they would often happen again.

I await your updates! I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj