Dizziness and Hoarseness: Neurological Symptoms in Seniors

Dizziness and hoarseness?

Hello Doctor, my father is 70 years old.
A couple of days ago, he suddenly experienced severe dizziness and nausea, followed by a hoarse voice.
Eventually, he felt some relief after receiving an injection.
He usually sleeps well, but the night before the dizziness, he had insomnia.
Although the dizziness has improved, he still feels a bit lightheaded, and there is pain when pressing on the muscles near the back of his head and neck.
I would like to ask the doctor what might be the cause of this, and why dizziness can be accompanied by hoarseness or loss of voice.
Thank you for your response!

Miss Lin, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/09/02

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

Non-benign dizziness accompanied by hoarseness may be indicative of an upper respiratory infection or diseases affecting the cerebellum or brainstem (such as tumors or strokes), and further examination is recommended.
Pain upon pressing the muscles on both sides of the back of the head near the neck may be caused by neck muscle tension; it is advisable to perform neck stretching exercises or apply heat to alleviate symptoms.

Reply Date: 2010/09/02

More Info

Dizziness and hoarseness in seniors can be concerning symptoms that may indicate underlying health issues. In your father's case, the sudden onset of dizziness accompanied by nausea and hoarseness could be attributed to several potential causes. Let's explore these symptoms in detail.

Possible Causes of Dizziness
1. Vestibular Disorders: The vestibular system, which helps control balance, can be affected by various conditions, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or Meniere's disease. These conditions can lead to sudden dizziness, often described as a spinning sensation.

2. Cervical Issues: Given that your father experiences pain in the neck muscles near the back of the head, cervical spine issues could be a factor. Conditions like cervical spondylosis or herniated discs can compress nerves and affect blood flow, leading to dizziness.

3. Cardiovascular Problems: Dizziness can also stem from cardiovascular issues, such as orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up), arrhythmias, or even transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). These conditions can cause dizziness and may require immediate medical evaluation.

4. Neurological Conditions: Although less common, neurological disorders such as strokes or transient ischemic attacks can present with dizziness. Given your father's age, it is essential to rule out these serious conditions.

5. Medication Side Effects: If your father is taking any medications, side effects could contribute to dizziness. Some medications can cause dizziness or interact with others, leading to increased side effects.

Possible Causes of Hoarseness
1. Laryngeal Issues: Hoarseness can arise from conditions affecting the larynx, such as laryngitis, vocal cord nodules, or polyps. Inflammation of the vocal cords can lead to a raspy voice and difficulty speaking.

2. Neurological Factors: Neurological conditions affecting the vagus nerve, which innervates the larynx, can lead to hoarseness. This could be related to a stroke or other neurological issues.

3. Reflux Disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause acid to irritate the throat and larynx, leading to hoarseness. This is especially relevant if your father has experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Infections: Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, can cause both hoarseness and dizziness. Inflammation and swelling in the throat can affect voice quality.

Connection Between Dizziness and Hoarseness
The simultaneous occurrence of dizziness and hoarseness may suggest a systemic issue. For instance, a viral infection could lead to both symptoms. Alternatively, if there is a neurological cause, it could affect multiple systems, including balance and voice.

Recommendations
Given your father's symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause. This may include:
- Physical Examination: A comprehensive examination focusing on neurological and cardiovascular health.

- Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans may be warranted to assess for any structural issues in the brain or cervical spine.

- Blood Tests: To check for any metabolic or hematological issues that could contribute to dizziness.

- Referral to Specialists: Depending on the findings, referrals to a neurologist or an ENT specialist may be necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, dizziness and hoarseness in seniors can arise from various causes, ranging from benign to serious conditions. Given your father's age and the sudden onset of symptoms, it is essential to pursue a thorough medical evaluation to identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Is There No Cure for Neuroasthenia in the Elderly?

My grandmother is 80 years old and often complains of frequent dizziness. The doctor diagnosed her with "cerebral nerve weakness" and said it cannot be cured. Despite taking medication, there has been no improvement. Is this true? Thank you.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
There are many potential causes for dizziness in elderly individuals over 80 years old, including medications, insomnia, low blood pressure, cerebrovascular diseases, and inner ear imbalances. It is recommended to visit a neurology specialist and bring the current medications for...

Understanding Dizziness in Seniors: Blood Tests and Beyond

Hello Dr. Ouyang, my mother is 61 years old this year. In recent years, she has frequently experienced dizziness. She has been to the hospital for examinations several times, but they all said there was no problem, and each time they only performed blood tests. I would like to as...

Dr. Ouyang Wenzhen reply Geriatrics
JERRY: Hello! Your mother is 61 years old and has been experiencing dizziness frequently over the past few years. She has undergone several blood tests at the hospital, all of which have returned normal results. I would like to know if there are any other symptoms, such as poor m...

Persistent Dizziness in Elderly: Exploring Unresolved Neurological Issues

Hello, doctor. My grandmother has been experiencing dizziness for many years. She has undergone examinations by an otolaryngologist with no issues found, and the cardiologist also reported no problems. She has visited various major hospitals in Taichung for neurology consultation...

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Dizziness can have many causes, and not all of them can be detected through instruments or tests. Both physiological and pathological dizziness should be considered, and if no results are found, psychological causes must also be taken into account. Generally, neurologists, cardio...

Understanding Dizziness and Discomfort: A Neurological Perspective

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing dizziness for over two years. In 2016 and 2017, I underwent numerous tests including brain MRI, CT scans, neck CT, EEG, intracranial blood flow studies, eye movement tests, ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, exercise ECG, echocardiogram, autono...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, I wonder if you have been paying attention to the care of your neck, as cervical myofascial pain syndrome may cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, muscle stiffness, or a heavy sensation, leading to fatigue-like symptoms. Regarding the adjustm...