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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Insomnia And Loss In Sense Of Smell?

Yes, 79 year old father, has had major insomnia, loss of smell, appetite and now night sweats. No change in financial or marital status (married over 50 years), owns home, no mortgage. We do not perceive any financial or psychological origins. This has been going on for several months. Been to the doctor recently (he avoided for a long time), and prescription provided allows him to fall asleep, but up within a half hour, and then up all night long. So frustrated that he is going back tomorrow to see the doctor again (but mostly likely a nurse practitioner as, he referenced she instead of his male docotr. What can cause this?
posted on Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Twitter Wed, 11 Feb 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 12 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello!
Thank you for your question! I understand your concern.
Short answer : You should take him to a medical physician to have a physical examination and a routine blood test.
Detailed answer :
Insomnia is a common problem in old patients. Loss of smell and night sweating is more concerning .
I think that these problems could be caused by a neuorological problem , like a brain tumor in the frontal cortex or an infection . The gradual progression of the symptoms lead more to these causes.
Dementia ( spontaneous due to the age or after repeated brain stroke ) could also be the cause of these symptoms . It can lead to loss of smell and insomnia in the first stages.
A routine blood test should be done to exclude inflammation from an infection etc, which could lead to night sweating.
A physical examination should be done to exclude neurological signs. Also a head CT scan or MRI would be very helpful.
I would like to know if you have noticed memory problems lately . A detailed cognitive test by a neurologist is needed to determine this.
Wish to have been helpful to you .
Thank you for using HCM!
Abaz Quka, neurologist

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What Causes Insomnia And Loss In Sense Of Smell?

Hello! Thank you for your question! I understand your concern. Short answer : You should take him to a medical physician to have a physical examination and a routine blood test. Detailed answer : Insomnia is a common problem in old patients. Loss of smell and night sweating is more concerning . I think that these problems could be caused by a neuorological problem , like a brain tumor in the frontal cortex or an infection . The gradual progression of the symptoms lead more to these causes. Dementia ( spontaneous due to the age or after repeated brain stroke ) could also be the cause of these symptoms . It can lead to loss of smell and insomnia in the first stages. A routine blood test should be done to exclude inflammation from an infection etc, which could lead to night sweating. A physical examination should be done to exclude neurological signs. Also a head CT scan or MRI would be very helpful. I would like to know if you have noticed memory problems lately . A detailed cognitive test by a neurologist is needed to determine this. Wish to have been helpful to you . Thank you for using HCM! Abaz Quka, neurologist