Which Medical Specialty Should My 80-Year-Old Mother See?

Which specialty should I see?

My mother just turned 80 years old and has recently started experiencing the following symptoms: 1.
Dizziness, with a sensation of almost fainting at times (she fell yesterday but is unsure of the cause, not sure if it counts as fainting).
2.
Abdominal pain (located around or below the navel), but the amount of stool passed is not much.
3.
Loss of appetite, with occasional feelings of nausea.
Which specialty should she see for these issues? Or should we go directly to a family medicine physician for assessment? Thank you.

Harold, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/25

Dr. Huang Hongshuo reply Family Medicine

It is recommended to prioritize geriatric medicine.
The second option is family medicine.
Regarding the aforementioned issues, insufficient water intake and difficulty with bowel movements are the most common causes.
It is necessary to seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, peptic ulcers, and gastrointestinal tumors.

Reply Date: 2020/08/25

More Info

Given your mother's symptoms and her age, it is crucial to approach her health concerns with careful consideration. The symptoms you described—dizziness, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and occasional nausea—could be indicative of several underlying health issues. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation.

1. Primary Care Physician (Family Medicine): Starting with a family medicine physician is a good option. They can perform an initial assessment, review her medical history, and conduct a physical examination. Family doctors are trained to handle a wide range of health issues and can coordinate care among specialists if needed. They can also order necessary tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to help diagnose the cause of her symptoms.

2. Neurology: Given the episodes of dizziness and the recent fall, it may be beneficial to consult a neurologist. Dizziness can stem from various neurological conditions, including vestibular disorders, which affect balance, or other issues related to the brain. A neurologist can perform specialized tests to determine if there is a neurological cause for her symptoms.

3. Gastroenterology: Since your mother is experiencing abdominal pain and changes in her appetite, a gastroenterologist may also be appropriate. They specialize in digestive system disorders and can evaluate her gastrointestinal symptoms. Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or even more serious issues like bowel obstructions or malignancies could be considered.

4. Geriatrics: Given her age, consulting a geriatrician could be beneficial. Geriatricians specialize in the health care of older adults and can provide a holistic approach to managing multiple health issues, including cognitive function, mobility, and chronic disease management.

5. Cardiology: If there are concerns about her cardiovascular health, especially considering her dizziness and falls, a cardiologist may also need to be involved. Dizziness can sometimes be related to heart issues, such as arrhythmias or orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing).

Recommendations for Next Steps:
- Initial Consultation: Schedule an appointment with a family medicine physician. They can assess her overall health and determine if referrals to specialists are necessary.

- Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of her symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any potential triggers. This information will be valuable for the healthcare provider.

- Safety Precautions: Given her recent fall, ensure her living environment is safe to prevent further accidents. Consider fall-proofing her home by removing tripping hazards and ensuring adequate lighting.

- Follow-Up: After the initial evaluation, follow the recommendations provided by the healthcare provider. This may include referrals to specialists, diagnostic tests, or lifestyle modifications.

Conclusion:
Your mother's symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying health issues. Starting with a family medicine physician is a sensible approach, as they can guide her care and refer her to specialists as needed. Given her age and the complexity of her symptoms, a comprehensive and coordinated approach to her healthcare will be essential for her well-being.

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