Giant cell vasculitis of brain, high BP, postural hypertension, stroke, headaches. Intolerant to steroids. What can one do?
Patient: I have a dx of Giant cell vasculitis of the brain. My BP is quite high when sitting or standing (roughly 200/100) and normal (roughly 125/60) when lying down. I have real problems with headaches, even worse when my BP is normal rather than high. Several years ago I had a stroke in the right pons, before getting the vasculitis dx. I am intolerant of steroids and NSAIDS. I would like some explanation if you have one. All I find is information on postural hypotension. I have postural hypertension. Doctor: Hi,Thank you for posting your query.Postural hypotension is most likely related to side effects of the blood pressure medications. Please send us a complete list of medications that you are taking at present.If medication as a cause is ruled out, then, we need to exclude autonomic dysfunction as a cause of postural drop in blood pressure. There are several bedside tests that a doctor can perform to exclude a diagnosis of autonomic dysfunction.I hope it helps. Please get back if you require any additional information.Wishing you good health,Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)Senior Consultant NeurologistApollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, IndiaClick on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumarMy BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in