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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Chronic Dizziness & Elderly (Is cause really white matter lesions?)
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
Chronic Dizziness & Elderly (Is cause really white matter lesions?)
by SavhPJ, Jul 31, 2007 12:00AM
Mother, 87 years, 5'1", 103 lbs, has dizziness that has gotten progressively worse since 2004. Now chronically dizzy 24/7 > one year. Symptoms: Nagging lightheadedness unrelated to position; Near Fainting; Disequilibrium; Unsteady when standing or walking.
Inner ear problems ruled out. Alavert & Meclizine useless. History of hypertension; genetically based cholesterol issues. Orth. Hypotension recently diagnosed; supposedly resolved. A-Fib said to be not fast enough to cause the dizziness.
The neurologist: “MRI shows several locations evidencing little strokes; the bulk of the disequilibrium appears to be the result of those little strokes – of damage to small blood vessels deep in brain.” Tests show “clinical evidence of diffuse white matter disease.” Periventricular White Matter Lesions (“PWM”) appear to have severe consequences.
1. Where are related research/clinical trials?
2. A PBS program said researchers are working to get the brain to repair itself. Is this relevant to PWM?
3. What about (a) hyperbaric oxygen therapy, (b) wearable balance vest being developed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (“MEEI”), or (c) implantable balance implant also at MEEI? Although the vest is being developed for mal de debarquement syndrome, MEEI’s website states that “these devices could also help the elderly and others who might be susceptible to falling.”
4. Where is there an interdisciplinary approach to tackling the problem?
Thank you!
Inner ear problems ruled out. Alavert & Meclizine useless. History of hypertension; genetically based cholesterol issues. Orth. Hypotension recently diagnosed; supposedly resolved. A-Fib said to be not fast enough to cause the dizziness.
The neurologist: “MRI shows several locations evidencing little strokes; the bulk of the disequilibrium appears to be the result of those little strokes – of damage to small blood vessels deep in brain.” Tests show “clinical evidence of diffuse white matter disease.” Periventricular White Matter Lesions (“PWM”) appear to have severe consequences.
1. Where are related research/clinical trials?
2. A PBS program said researchers are working to get the brain to repair itself. Is this relevant to PWM?
3. What about (a) hyperbaric oxygen therapy, (b) wearable balance vest being developed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (“MEEI”), or (c) implantable balance implant also at MEEI? Although the vest is being developed for mal de debarquement syndrome, MEEI’s website states that “these devices could also help the elderly and others who might be susceptible to falling.”
4. Where is there an interdisciplinary approach to tackling the problem?
Thank you!
