The Mountain Eagle
WHITESBURG WEATHER

Red flag is raised





 

 

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 85 and in good health, except for dizzy spells. It was said that I have vertigo, but I do not believe this to be the case. Meclizine is of no help.

The symptoms are worst when I close my eyes: When I do, I feel like may fall. Other symptoms are shuffling of feet, dizziness and dizziness on standing too quickly. Is it possible I have Meniere’s disease? — A.T.H.

ANSWER: “Dizziness” is a very nonspecific term. It can mean vertigo, which is a sensation of movement when there isn’t any; lightheadedness, such as we can all get sometimes when standing too quickly; or a disorientation that can happen when blood sugar is low. Meniere’s disease is a cause of true vertigo, often with ringing in the ears and hearing loss.

Shuffling of the feet is a red flag for Parkinson’s disease. Dizziness is a common if not universal symptom in people with Parkinson’s. However, only a thorough history and physical exam can make the diagnosis. If your regular doctor hasn’t been able to help, you might see a neurologist, who is an expert in making diagnoses about neurologic symptoms such as dizziness. There are many possible causes.

The booklet on vertigo explains this disruptive condition in detail and outlines its treatment. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach — No. 801W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for

delivery.

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DEAR DR. ROACH: My daughter was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I’m from Michigan, in a county with open spaces and lots of animals. Probably a tick caused it. Are there doctors who treat this disease in our area? Lots of people in this area have it. — P.A.

ANSWER: Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria, Borrelia burgdoferi, which in turn is spread by the blacklegged deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. I checked with the health department in Michigan and found that there has never been a reported case from your county. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible — you are not far from some counties in western Michigan where Lyme disease is known to be present. It’s possible your daughter traveled, or it’s possible she is the first case in your county.

Most cases of Lyme disease start with a characteristic rash, sometimes with fever or other symptoms. It can be treated effectively, in the vast majority of cases in early stage, with oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline.

An infectious-disease expert can help confirm the diagnosis and make sure she is properly treated.


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