hypertension - Brain damage?

[Gal543]

My partner collapsed , dizziness, fainting and vomiting.  a few days ago, she was taken to the hospital where they told her that due to her high blood pressure problem, she had damaged her brain ? they think the extent of damage is "treatable", she can walk etc but quickly feel very dizzy, since this just happened ,in Kiev, Ukraine, (I am in London) I am not sure what to believe there anymore, she smoke & drink, hopefully this episode will shock her enough to stop, but I would appreciate to know what is the realistic checks that she should do, reading article in medhelp, I could only match her symptoms with Transient Ischemic Attack ?? will it best to ask for MRI scan? I am sooo scared this is a waning sign for a stroke on the way, what can I do to get her diagnosed properly and fast? Many thanks !

[junie37]

Hi, My husband was first diagnosed with HBP in highschool.  Later on , in his 40's the Dr. tried various meds to try to control it but he could not toleate the meds available at that time. In his mid 50's he was found tohave a brain tumor. With surgery that was remedied but the HBP persisted.  Recently, he has had times when he became confused, could not sort out/ connect facts, even tho he knew them. At a time when he was under stress, this became very apparent and i believe he may have had --  or nearly had a TIA.
     After that he went into the hospital ( emergency Room ) and was hooked up to a BP moniter for 3 hrs. Having his BP monitered over a period of time, showed that he had Chronic HBP and he was prescribed one of the newer meds. This has helped greatly, and he is himself again but--- this requires that he take his medication regularly, as prescribed.  If he misses even one dose/pill , he can  tell it.
     I think this type of monitering, over several hours, was the best thing that could have happened   and drove home to him , the seriousness of the situation.
                              Good Luck,
                                                PJ

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I am sorry I do not know of any neurologist in Kiev.
You can try telling her a lifetime of medications and maybe some neurological impairment are in store for her if she does not change her smoking and drinking habits.

[Gal543]

Thank you for the reply !, now my "only"problem is finding who is the best neurologist in Kiev...
Some holiday this turned out for my partner..
Personally, knowing what she is like, impossible to get her to stop, only hypnotic procedure maybe.
Regards
Gal

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes getting an MRI or CT scan of the brain will help detect the location and extent of damage to the brain. Also the blood pressure needs to be controlled with regular medications. Please try to explain the harmful effects of smoking and drinking to her. She has to stop completely. Please schedule an appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible. Take care!