Neurological Symptoms: When to Seek Specialist Help - Neurology

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Hello Dr.
Huang: My father is 57 years old.
Last night he experienced dizziness, nausea, weakness in his legs, and chills.
Recently, he has also been experiencing nausea and vomiting frequently.
He has seen many specialists, including gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, cardiology, and digestive diseases, but none have been able to provide a diagnosis.
Which specialist should he see? His blood pressure is around 130-140, and he does not have diabetes.
Is there a possibility of a stroke? I am very worried.
Thank you!

Huli, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/01/04

Dr. Huang Yongquan reply Neurology


Hello: Based on your description, there is indeed a risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease.
Please bring your recent medical records, medication history, and regular blood pressure readings to the outpatient clinic for further examination.
If you experience any discomfort, please seek immediate treatment in the emergency department with Dr.
Huang Yong-Chuan, a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2010/01/04

More Info


Hello! Thank you for sharing your concerns about your father's health. Based on the symptoms you've described—dizziness, nausea, weakness in the legs, chills, and recurrent nausea—it sounds like he is experiencing a complex set of neurological and possibly systemic issues. Given that he has already consulted multiple specialists, it’s understandable that you feel anxious about his condition.

First, let’s break down the symptoms. Dizziness and nausea can be caused by a variety of factors, including vestibular disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or even neurological conditions. The weakness in the legs and chills could indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a neurological disorder or an infection. It’s also important to consider that these symptoms could be interrelated, meaning that one condition may be exacerbating another.

Regarding your father's blood pressure, a reading of 130-140 mmHg is considered elevated but not necessarily indicative of hypertension. However, it is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly, especially in the context of other symptoms. While he does not have diabetes, it is still possible for someone without diabetes to experience a stroke, particularly if there are other risk factors present, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Given the complexity of your father's symptoms and the fact that he has seen various specialists without a clear diagnosis, I would recommend that he see a neurologist if he hasn’t already. A neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They can conduct a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, to rule out any structural issues in the brain that could be causing these symptoms.

In addition to seeing a neurologist, it may also be beneficial for your father to undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes blood tests to check for infections, electrolyte imbalances, or other systemic issues that could be contributing to his symptoms. Sometimes, conditions like thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or infections can manifest with neurological symptoms.

If your father’s symptoms worsen or if he experiences additional symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination, it is crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of a stroke or other serious condition.

In summary, I recommend the following steps:
1. Schedule an appointment with a neurologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

2. Consider a full panel of blood tests to check for any underlying systemic issues.

3. Monitor his blood pressure regularly and keep track of any changes in symptoms.

4. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise, seek emergency care.

It’s understandable to feel worried about your father’s health, but taking these steps can help ensure that he receives the appropriate care and diagnosis. Wishing you and your family the best during this challenging time.

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