Neurological Imbalance: Symptoms and Next Steps

Regarding neuro imbalance?

Hello Doctor: My father is 62 years old and has a history of diabetes for about 6 years, which has been well controlled.
This morning (October 14), he suddenly experienced dizziness, blurred vision (only in the left eye, with double vision), nausea, and cold sweats.
Recently, he has had pain in his right arm when raised, and the doctor diagnosed it as inflammation and prescribed medication.
We suspected it might be a side effect of the medication, but after resting for an afternoon, there was no improvement.
In the evening, during a visit to the internal medicine clinic, the doctor suggested it might be due to neurological imbalance and prescribed medication for motion sickness and nausea.
After the consultation, we noticed that my father's left eye seems to be somewhat uncontrollable, occasionally drifting to the side.
I would like to ask if this phenomenon is also caused by neurological imbalance? How long might the dizziness and other symptoms take to improve? If the symptoms persist without improvement, which specialty should we consult for further examination? Additionally, should we see an ophthalmologist for retinal or other examinations regarding the eye issue? Since the doctor was unavailable after the consultation for further clarification, I am reaching out here.
Thank you in advance for your response, Doctor.

evon, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/10/14

Dr. Cai Zonglin reply Internal Medicine

Sudden onset of dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and cold sweats may indicate hypoglycemia.
If possible, checking fingertip blood glucose levels can provide confirmation; if immediate testing is not feasible, consuming sugar cubes or juice can be helpful.
If there is uncontrolled movement of the left eye or if the eye is drifting to the side, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist or neurologist for direct observation to identify the cause.
Dizziness can have multiple causes, including medical issues such as anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and orthostatic hypotension.
If none of these problems are present, further evaluation by an otolaryngologist or neurologist may be warranted.

Reply Date: 2013/10/14

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your father's recent health issues. Based on the symptoms you've described—dizziness, blurred vision (specifically in the left eye with double vision), nausea, cold sweats, and the observation of his left eye moving uncontrollably—there are several potential neurological and medical considerations to explore.

Firstly, the symptoms of dizziness and nausea could indeed suggest a vestibular imbalance, which is often related to issues within the inner ear or central nervous system. The fact that your father has a history of diabetes is also relevant, as diabetes can lead to various complications, including neuropathy and vascular issues that may affect blood flow to the brain. This could potentially contribute to symptoms like dizziness and visual disturbances.

The specific observation of his left eye moving uncontrollably (which could be a form of nystagmus) may indicate a neurological issue that requires further evaluation. Nystagmus can occur due to various reasons, including vestibular disorders, neurological conditions, or even medication side effects. Given that your father has been experiencing pain in his right arm and has been prescribed medication, it’s important to consider whether these medications could be contributing to his symptoms.

In terms of next steps, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult a neurologist. A neurologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies (like an MRI or CT scan) to rule out any serious underlying conditions. They can also assess the eye movement issues and determine if they are related to a central nervous system problem or if they stem from a peripheral issue.

Regarding the eye symptoms, it would also be prudent to have an eye examination with an ophthalmologist. They can assess for any retinal issues or other ocular conditions that may be contributing to the visual disturbances. They may perform tests such as a visual field test, retinal examination, or imaging studies of the eye to ensure there are no underlying problems.

As for the duration of symptoms, it can vary widely depending on the underlying cause. If the symptoms are due to a transient vestibular issue, they may resolve within days to weeks. However, if there is a more significant neurological concern, it may take longer to address and manage effectively.

In summary, I recommend the following steps:
1. Schedule an appointment with a neurologist for a thorough evaluation of the neurological symptoms and eye movement issues.

2. Consider an eye examination with an ophthalmologist to rule out any ocular problems.

3. Monitor your father's symptoms closely, and if they worsen or new symptoms arise, seek immediate medical attention.

It's essential to address these symptoms promptly, especially considering your father's age and medical history. I hope this information helps guide you in seeking the appropriate care for your father. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns. Wishing you and your family the best of health!

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