My Grandmother needs a diagnosis

[lnrcole]

My Grandmother is 78 years old with worsening symptoms of slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, slight facial droop with drooling, hacking caugh (no sputum), sneezing, choking on foods, shortness of breath, and weight loss.  She has seen numerous doctors and have had numerous tests including...head and chest CT Scans and the diagnosis' her doctor gave her was "GERD."  They told her there has been no sign of stroke or bleed in her brain, but all these symptoms are very worrisome.  Could you please offer some advice??

[lnrcole]

Thank you so much.  She sees a neurologist this week, so I will let her know about uremic encephalopathy.  We also are encouraging her to ask the MD about Guillian Barre` and also Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.  I will keep you posted.  Thanks again!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Your grandmother could be suffering from uremic encephalopathy. You can read more about this on: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1135651-overview
• “Uremic encephalopathy (UE) is a consequence of renal failure (RF).
• Symptoms begin insidiously and are often noticed not by the patients but by their family members or caregivers.
• In many cases, impairment of the nervous system provides the first indication of metabolic derangements.
• Symptoms may progress slowly or rapidly.
• Changes in sensorium include loss of memory, impaired concentration, depression, delusions, lethargy, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, psychosis, stupor, catatonia, and coma.
• Patients may complain of slurred speech, pruritus, muscle twitches, or restless legs.”
Hyperthyroid states too should be looked into.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!