What causes confusion, slurred speech and difficulty walking?
Patient: My husband is confused, is tired, normal BP, elevated pulse rate (112) and pulse is erratic.  Has been diagnosed in the past with COPD - does not have difficulty breathing.  Over the past several months , he has experienced several of these episodes where his speech is slurred and has difficulty walking.  He is 64 years old today.  We got ready to go for a bicycle ride and he is apparently having another episode.  I can always anticipate that he will be okay the next morning after 10-12 hours of sleeping. Doctor: Hello !I read your question and understand your concern. In my opinion the problems of your husband may be related to a low blood flow to the brain, causing Transient Ischemic Attacks. These events  may be related to the heart , as you refer that he has elevated pulse rate , erratic, which may be atrial fibrillation. Repeated TIA lead to high risk of stroke if not treated. I would recommend to consult a cardiologist, and have an ECG and a ECG 24hours monitoring and a cardiac ultrasound to see the heart output. He may need anticoagulation if FA , due to high risk stroke. A brain MRI and a neurologic examination would be helpful. I would also recommend and EEG , as these signs may be also caused by epilepsy. Hope to have been helpful!Best wishes, Dr. Abaz