Posted By CCF Neurology MD:NT on December 16, 1998 at 22:14:54:
In Reply to: dizziness posted by Tommy on December 13, 1998 at 21:00:11:
Hello,
I am a 26 yr old male with a history of high cholestrol. Two months ago, I experienced an episode of near
syncopeFainting followed by a couple of days of lightheadedness. I have had a full
cardiacCardiac catheterization
Cardiac tamponade
Left heart ventricular angiography workup including
echocardiogram w/stress test and 30 day event monitor. Everything has turned up negative. In fact, I am probably in good physical shape as I have been an avid weightlifter for 12 years.
However, I have continued to experience days of lightheadedness and another episode of near
syncopeFainting although nowhere near as pronounced as the
firstFirst progesterone mc10
First progesterone mc5
First-progesterone vgs 100
First-progesterone vgs 200
First-progesterone vgs 25
First-progesterone vgs 400
First-progesterone vgs 50
First-testosterone
First-testosterone mc. The lightheadedness has me extremely worried as it is persistent throughout the day.
My question is this: what should I do next in terms of diagnosing any illness or ruling anything serious out? My internal medicine doctor doesn't seem to think much of it, prescribing
PaxilPaxil
Paxil cr for anxiety. I imaging that I will have to ask to have any further testing done.
Thanks,
Tommy
Dear Tommy:
Your description does not appear to resemble true vertigo, which is a symptom of inner ear or neurological disease. It more resembles pre-syncope, or near fainting. This due to low blood presure, frequenly from a lowered blood volume - such as from diarrhea, poor fluid intake, excessive sweating, etc. It is less frequently from a cardiac problem, or from a disorder of autonomic nerves causing a loss of tone of blood vessels.
I would trust a competent internist to manage your case. A neurological consultation may be indicated if symptoms persist, and an autonomic disorder is a serious diagnostic consideration.
Good luck!