Double Vision with Dizziness

[faraday]

Yesterday morning, about 10, as I parked the car I suddenly got severe double vision with Dizziness. In the last four years, this is the third time it's happened. I was really quite worried.

•  My thinking was clear
• No weakness anywhere, or loss of movement.
• No tingling or numbness.
• No pain.

When I put my chin on my chest, or tilted my head to the right, my vision was more focused. Tilting my head to the left, made no difference. All a bit odd.

 

Managed, with great difficulty, to drive to the E.R.

BP - 140/78

BG - 107

 

A junior Doctor said I needed an injection of Dimenhydrinate & I could have a Brain Scan - if I wanted! No other parameters were measured or suggested.

 

50mg IV, was given to me, just as the double vision was subsiding, at 10:40 am.

Rested for 30 minutes, given Merislon 6mg tablets (!) & Dimenhydrinate 50mg to take at home.

 

Total cost at the Army Hospital was 198 baht. Yes, 198 baht

 

I'm really not at all happy by the treatment. I feel that the quickest 'diagnosis' was made: "Farang, hot weather, slightly over weight"

 

Been taking 10mg Amlodopine for 3 years. BP is ok. 62years old. General health is ok.

 

Pre - OP ECG for THR last year showed a slightly enlarged heart.

 

What are your thoughts or suggestions, Sheryl?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sheryl]

From the treatment given the doctor at the army hospital thought this was vertigo, either due to a change in posture (benign paroxysmal postural vertigo) or due to an inner ear disturbance.   He could well be right, especially since it has happened from time to time before, and head movements seem to affect it.

 

However, should exclude more serious causes to be safe. What I suggest is that you see a neurologist for more thorough evaluation. Things to rule out include TIA and brain lesion.  The last is unlikely given that this has happened several times over the last few years without escalation, but again, better safe than sorry.

 

Where do you live?

[faraday]

Thank you for your helpful & reassuring reply.

 

I live in Udon Thani.

[Sheryl]

The main government hospital in town is a regional level hospital and will have neurologists.

 

 Even better, if it is not too far away,  would be KKU Hospital (Srinagarind) which will have very senior neurologists. I would suggest one of these there:

 

Assoc. Prof. Somsak Tiamko

Prof  Suthipun Jitpimolmard

Asst. Prof. Kannikar Kongbunkiat

 

In either case there is an after hours clinic

 

If it turns out to be BPPV, when it occurs try fixing your gaze on one specific point  for a while and also avoiding whichever head movements seem to make it worse.  But do first exclude any serious problem. BPPV is a nuisance but not serious.