A few times a year, I have terrible nightmares during which I scream — but I don’t remember them in the morning. I am in my 70s, the only health problem I have is high blood pressure and I haven’t suffered trauma. Should I be concerned? Jane Thornton, via email. This is understandably distressing for … Read more
It would be so callous to make the elderly who are most at risk from coronavirus wait for vaccination, argues Dr MARTIN SCURR By Dr Martin Scurr For The Daily Mail Published: 23:06 GMT, 6 January 2021 | Updated: 00:10 GMT, 7 January 2021 Dr Martin Scurr (pictured) said: ‘The vaccine debate cannot be reduced … Read more
In May I had an ischaemic stroke and I am not sure why. My speech has returned but my mind still goes blank, causing considerable anxiety and depression. I’m 73 and I’ve also been looking after my wife, who has been shielding. Could stress have brought on the stroke? John Prentice, Causewayhead, Stirling. Remaining unwell … Read more
I’m an avid walker aged 74, but now find after a few miles I get a tingling feeling in my little toe which spreads to the pad of my foot and burns, so it’s painful to walk. A consultant said it’s not to do with nerve endings, but could it be peripheral neuropathy? Christine Champeny, … Read more
I am plagued with cramp in my legs at night. I have great difficulty getting back to sleep, and the various medications I’ve been prescribed don’t work. I am desperate for sleep. Maureen Nash, via email. This is not an uncommon condition. Some 40 per cent of adults experience night cramps, resulting in sleep disturbance … Read more
Last night, I was reading to my wife and I found it came out as slurred gibberish, which frightened me. It lasted for about five minutes and then my speech returned to normal. Should I be worried? Name and address supplied. When something unexpected such as this happens, understandably you fear that it might happen … Read more
For several years I’ve had too much saliva, causing drooling. This is embarrassing but my GP says nothing can be done. Name and address supplied. This must be hard for you but please be reassured there are possible treatments available. Excessive production of saliva, also known as hypersalivation (or in medicine, ‘sialorrhea’) typically causes drooling, … Read more
Twice a day for a few hours my husband’s right ear ‘clicks’, affecting his hearing and his voice. When he lies down, this seems to sort it. He was referred to the local hospital, but they couldn’t identify the problem. Can you help? A. Crowe, North Devon. For years I worked part-time in a nose and … Read more
For the past year, I have had an open wound on my left cheek which refuses to heal. It began as a small spot. But, two days later, I woke up with such a swollen face that I couldn’t open my eye. I was given antibiotics but the problem has gradually become worse. What do … Read more
I suffer with water retention between my ankles and calfs. I get terrible burning and, at times, it feels as if my skin will tear. I take one water tablet a day, and I elevate my legs as much as I can. I am 82 and very active. What can you suggest? Name and address … Read more