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What Causes Severe Vomiting In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017
Question: MY 70 YEAR OLD SISTER JUST INFORMED ME THAT EVERY FEW MONTHS SHE HAS BEEN HAVING DIZZY SPELLS, LOW GRAD TEMP AND LOTS OF VOMITING WHICH CONFINES HER TO HER BED FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. ITS SO BAD DURING THESE EPISDOES SHE HAS TO HAVE A FRIEND TAKING OVER HER DAILY CHORES AND WALKING HER DOG.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Dizziness can have many different causes, it is not always easy to pinpoint the cause right away. Given the fact that she has low grade fever as well the main hypothesis would be that of an infection.
Another possibility would be that of an inner ear issue. The inner ear is very much involved in balance and its disorders are the main cause of recurrent dizziness and vomiting.
Anemia or metabolic alterations can also cause dizziness, and symptoms like dizziness and vomiting depending on the origin.

So I would say the first step would be a physical exam to check for signs of infection or of other organ involvement (perhaps primary physician already done that) and some blood tests like complete blood count, ESR, CRP, glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel.
What further steps are taken depend on the findings.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Severe Vomiting In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Dizziness can have many different causes, it is not always easy to pinpoint the cause right away. Given the fact that she has low grade fever as well the main hypothesis would be that of an infection. Another possibility would be that of an inner ear issue. The inner ear is very much involved in balance and its disorders are the main cause of recurrent dizziness and vomiting. Anemia or metabolic alterations can also cause dizziness, and symptoms like dizziness and vomiting depending on the origin. So I would say the first step would be a physical exam to check for signs of infection or of other organ involvement (perhaps primary physician already done that) and some blood tests like complete blood count, ESR, CRP, glucose, liver and kidney function, electrolyte panel. What further steps are taken depend on the findings. I remain at your disposal for other questions.