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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Be The Off Balance Feeling In Morning?

My friend told me he had a strange episode of feeling slightly off balance this morning, so much so that he reached out for the kitchen counter just in case he fell. He didn t fall, he didn t feel faint. It was more like feeling he was wavering and might tip over. This resolved within 10 minutes. No pain associated. No recurrence yet. This happened approximately 10 hours ago. He didn t know if it could be symptoms of a stroke, heart attack, low blood sugar or ??? He is 61 years old, very slim, does smoke and has no history of heart attack or stroke. He just got health insurance through the ACA and is seeing his doctor for the first time on Wednesday (in 3 days) for his first appointment.
Fri, 27 May 2016
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Neurologist, Surgical 's  Response
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM.


I can understand your concern. The episode of sudden imbalance in a 61years old male could be due to

: Low blood sugar as you mentioned
: Transient ischemic attack - It is sudden decrease in oxygen and blood supply to brain. It is temporary and patient recovers on its own. But in long term, it can cause stroke
: Dehydration and low BP as you mentioned - It could occur following poor fluid intake, exertion, sweating. Sometimes it occurs following loose stools, vomiting.
: Ear disease - Inner ear has centre for balance. Disease of it like vedtibulitis or labyrinthitis can cause sudden fall.

You should ask him to consult doctor to rule out above disease. The doctor will examine his nervous system, ear and vitals. Investigations like
: CT and MRI brain
: CT of mastoid and ear bone
: Vestibular function test
: Ultrasound Doppler of neck vessels
: Blood sugar
It will help in reaching some conclusion.

At home, ask him
: Take rest
: Drink fluids reach in sugar and electrolytes if no Diabetes
: Lie supine to normalise BP
: He can take tab Betahistine if vertigo, after prescription.

Hope it will help. If doubt, ask another question. Thanks
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What Could Be The Off Balance Feeling In Morning?

Hi, thanks for asking from HCM. I can understand your concern. The episode of sudden imbalance in a 61years old male could be due to : Low blood sugar as you mentioned : Transient ischemic attack - It is sudden decrease in oxygen and blood supply to brain. It is temporary and patient recovers on its own. But in long term, it can cause stroke : Dehydration and low BP as you mentioned - It could occur following poor fluid intake, exertion, sweating. Sometimes it occurs following loose stools, vomiting. : Ear disease - Inner ear has centre for balance. Disease of it like vedtibulitis or labyrinthitis can cause sudden fall. You should ask him to consult doctor to rule out above disease. The doctor will examine his nervous system, ear and vitals. Investigations like : CT and MRI brain : CT of mastoid and ear bone : Vestibular function test : Ultrasound Doppler of neck vessels : Blood sugar It will help in reaching some conclusion. At home, ask him : Take rest : Drink fluids reach in sugar and electrolytes if no Diabetes : Lie supine to normalise BP : He can take tab Betahistine if vertigo, after prescription. Hope it will help. If doubt, ask another question. Thanks