What Causes Sudden Fainting Followed By Dizziness?

Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014

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

Mon, 3 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Good morning, my sister woke this morning, she said good morning, made her bed and came to kitchen, she is 64 yrs old, she was reading a paper or attempting to read and hunched over it like falling forward into the counter. I came behind her and held her up and asked what is wrong, she would not talk but just stared at me and i could make her take a step to sit on a chair. this past in a few minutes once i did get her to move and sit. She told me her name and asked for coffee. she is her old self now just saying she was only light headed or a bit dizzy. The only meds she takes is for her cholestrol, and synthroid and bones meds. Is this the start of a stroke? she has never done this?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Symptoms could suggest TIA Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I have noted the symptoms of your sister. The most likely diagnosis can be TIA-transient ischemic attack. TIA is a minor brain stroke, where the blood supply to a part of brain is reduced for a short period of time. Symptoms in TIA recover completely within less than 24 hours, mostly within an hour. It is important to recognise and treat TIA, as this can predispose to major brain strokes in the future. She needs to be seen by a neurologist and MRI of brain should be done. Aspirin tablets may be started at present. Another possibility to be considered in her case is a seizure of complex partial type, which could present with similar symptoms. I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

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