The most common cause of dizziness in the elderly is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused when the calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear are dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent form of peripheral vestibular dysfunction, followed by Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis [9,15]. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and dizziness from childhood through to old age, peaking at about 60 years [21].
Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in the early stages or most cases of vertigo. Many people with vertigo also benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), which is a series of exercises for people with dizziness and balance problems.
Most people experience a gradual decline in inner ear function as they age. Considering the inner ear is where the vestibular system is located, the aging process itself is a cause of vertigo. Unfortunately, this gradual decline in vestibular function also coincides with aging and weakening muscles.
At what age is vertigo most common? It is extremely rare, but not impossible, for young children to have vertigo. It becomes more common in the early 20s and affects all ages commonly after that.
Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy. Lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room if you're experiencing a severe episode of vertigo. Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness without warning. Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco.
Your cerebellum is the part of your brain that controls your body movements. When there is a problem with this part of your brain, it can cause balance issues, like vertigo. Because of this, episodes of vertigo are sometimes the first sign that you may be getting dementia.
If you're dehydrated, you may start to feel dizzy. This feeling can cause you to also experience lightheadedness, wooziness, fairness and unsteadiness. You may also experience a very specific form of dizziness called vertigo.
A vertigo attack can last from a few seconds to hours. If you have severe vertigo, it can last for many days or months.
For most people with vertigo, the spinning sensation lasts a few seconds to several minutes and usually goes away without treatment.
A number of medicines can be prescribed to help with the symptoms of vertigo. They include prochlorperazine or antihistamines such as cinnarizine, cyclizine or promethazine. These medicines are the same ones that are used to help treat any feeling of sickness (nausea) and motion sickness.
Dizziness
Frequent bouts about dizziness and vertigo can indicate B12 deficiency. You may experience a feeling of wobbles when you get up too fast from a sitting position. You may also feel dizzy when you walk up or downstairs, it could also be dangerous.
Caused by a problem in the brain, central vertigo can be linked to serious conditions such as stroke, brain tumor and multiple sclerosis. Symptoms develop gradually and are typically mild but constant and may include gait instability and loss of coordination.
Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.
Salty foods including chips, pretzels, salted nuts, canned foods, soups, deli meats, pastas, sauces, baking soda, condiments, pizza, baking powder, seasonings, frozen meals, pickles, salad dressings, and cheese can all trigger vertigo.
“In rare cases, people who experience debilitating vertigo might need surgery, but I find that lying down in the dark, avoiding lights, TVs, and other distractions, and just getting some rest can ease my symptoms,” she said.
Central vertigo is due to a problem in the brain, usually in the brain stem or the back part of the brain (cerebellum). Central vertigo may be caused by: Blood vessel disease. Certain drugs, such as anticonvulsants, aspirin, and alcohol.
The cognitive impact, how we think and reason, our psychological and emotional health – all are related to our overall mental health and can be impacted by the presence of a vestibular disorder. It's not often discussed, but vertigo affects more than your balance. It can affect your mental abilities too.
Potassium is crucial in fluid regulation in the body. Build up of inner ear fluid can cause vertigo, so eating these fruits can also help reduce symptoms: Bananas. Grapes.
Types of Vertigo: Peripheral, Central, BPPV, and More.
Over time, ear crystals may dissolve, but bear in mind that this could take weeks or longer, and during that time, a person would have to endure the extreme discomfort of BPPV, where even the slightest head movements would throw their world into disarray.