Re: My Sister (drop in BP and confusion upon standing)

January 31, 2011

,

The drop in BP upon standing is called orthostatic hypotension (OH). Something

like 40% of those with LBD have OH. When the BP drops in this fashion, mental

confusion can be the result. Some do report these seizure-like episodes and,

often times, such events are due to drops in BP. Avoiding postural changes

sounds like a good plan. There is medication one can take, and some

non-pharmacological things as well (Jobst stockings, drinking lots of water

before standing, etc).

Pain should be addressed as a top priority. You might discuss a Fentanyl patch

with the MD.

Good luck,

Robin

>

> It's me again with another question. This past week the nurses at the

assisted living thought my sister was having mini seizures. When they would

stand her up, she would stiffen, lock her jaws, look with a blank stare and when

she would speak it would be all mumbled. We took her to the ER and the Doctor

said he thought it was a drop in blood pressure rather than seizures. Because

when they laid her down she would be better. She was a little dehydrated and

her potassium was a little low. They stopped the Zocar med. for a while,

decreased her Laxis and increased her potassium. . She is in constant pain and

has now become a little aggressive with us. This is totally out of character

for her. I don't know if it is the pain; a stage in the disease or a

combination. Has anyone else experienced this? In the ER the doctor gave her

a low dose of Loretab for pain and I was concerned what it may do to her, but it

didn't phase her!!

>

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