Can you help diagnose my DF?

[DiagnoseThis]

Not really a diagnosis but I’ve seen a few medical threads with lots of ideas so I just thought I’d gather suggestions if anyone’s willing.

He’s 93 and generally ok. He had a fall but didn’t break anything just has a very bruised arm and all tests in hospital didn’t come back with anything. Since then he’s had some episodes where he slurs speech and can’t be understood and one of this legs doesn’t really work - at first thought you think he’s having a stroke but if he lies down the speech comes back.

Since the fall he’s been struggling with balance and feels he leans to one side a lot standing up but no suggestions as to what might be causing this or what will help. He feels he’s lost a lot of strength - eg can’t sit up in bed anymore and can’t walk unaided. Is it just old age or shock from the fall at his age? Any suggestions or ideas welcome.

Sounds like he could be having transient ischaemic attacks (TIA’s) going by the weakness/loss of usual speech coming and going at times. Does he get checked out by someone medical after these episodes? They can be a sign that someone is going towards a major stroke and really ought to be checked out by GP and potentially referred to the medical consultants/stroke team at the local hospital to rule it out.

I would say TIA too (also known as mini stroke). My Dad had a few whilst travelling in his 70s and 80s but still lived to 96. Definitely worth getting checked out though as treatment can prevent further damage.
AND it could be something different

HCP here. Sounds like a possible TIA. Is his GP aware of these events?

Thanks everyone. Yes he has seen the GP since, I will find out what happened as DB was there. AFAIK no referrals were made but I will check.

Just to update, nobody has mentioned about stroke prevention. Is this something we can ask to be referred to?

Anyone checked for an ear infection?

Perhaps he should be referred to a geriatric consultant? At 93, the aim should be to improve his quality of life. There can be a tendency to give medications which can have side effects which can cause different problems. Find out if the gp recommended some changes to meds or investigations (eg blood tests, urine, blood pressure). But if his problems persist, go back to gp and ask if it is worth seeing a geriatrician?

I was going to guess TIA followed by ears but it coukd be loads of things. If they happen "since" the fall they are likely to have caused the fall in the first place. Gp should refer to the frailty team and/or falls team or whatever the local services are. I assume he's got a falls button/careline?

I will ask about ear infection. He refused a button but will have to have one now. Thanks for all your suggestions btw.