Although the causes of dizziness in older people are multifactorial, peripheral vestibular dysfunction is one of the most frequent causes.
Vertigo in Seniors
The most common cause of dizziness in the elderly actually affects a significant portion of younger adults as well. The phenomenon is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. BPPV is caused when the tiny crystals in your inner ear are dislodged from their usual position.
Avoiding caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and excessive salt. Eating a healthy, balanced diet—including staying hydrated to avoid dizziness from dehydration. Potentially lowering the dose on medications that include side effects of dizziness (with a doctor's approval)
“Red flag” symptoms should alert you to a non-vestibular cause: persistent, worsening vertigo or dysequilibrium; atypical “non-peripheral” vertigo, such as vertical movement; severe headache, especially early in the morning; diplopia; cranial nerve palsies; dysarthria, ataxia, or other cerebellar signs; and ...
One of the precursors of dementia has now been identified as an increase in fainting and dizzy spells – something you may have noticed in your loved one before they were diagnosed with a dementia-related illness.
In most cases, dizziness associated with heart problems is accompanied by other symptoms. These may include shortness of breath, swollen extremities, frequent fatigue or chest pain. In the event heart disease is suspected, you will undergo one or more tests to get to the root of your problem.
If you are dizzy right now and have any of the following neurological symptoms along with your dizziness or vertigo, call 911 immediately: New confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech. New slurred speech or hoarseness of voice. New numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg.
Antivertiginous medications, particularly meclizine, are prescribed widely for all ages of people who are dizzy. These agents, however, are most effective for motion sickness and only possibly effective for vertigo caused by vestibular disorders.
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.
As you age, you're naturally at a higher risk for some conditions, including dizziness. This is because dizziness is a symptom of other health conditions common with old age. Changes in blood pressure. As you age, your heart isn't as effective at pumping blood through your body.
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury.
Many people, especially as they get older, experience lightheadedness if they get up too quickly from a lying or seated position.
Traditionally, the “elderly” are considered to be those persons age 65 and older.
Often, your body sends signs that your heart needs care—symptoms you should not ignore. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and dizziness.
Causes of lightheadedness may be dehydration, medication side effects, sudden blood pressure drops, low blood sugar, and heart disease or stroke. Feeling woozy, lightheaded, or a little faint is a common complaint among older adults.
Lean Proteins: Skinned chicken, fish, and eggs that are organic and farm processed are a healthy source of proteins, which help to maintain energy levels and ease the symptoms of vertigo. Ginger: Ginger is an amazing herb that is best known to ease symptoms like nausea and vomiting and light-headedness.
High blood pressure and dizziness are often associated because a person with uncontrolled hypertension may present with dizziness; indeed, dizziness may be the only symptom of hypertension.
In general, if dizziness lasts longer than a few days, or is severe enough to keep you from normal activities, you should talk with your doctor. Depending on the cause, there are medications and physical therapy options that may give you some relief.
Additional symptoms of a clogged artery may include: Dizziness or weakness. Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering. Nausea or sweating.
If you have been experiencing vertigo for more than a day or two, it's so severe that you can't stand or walk, or you are vomiting frequently and can't keep food down, you should make an appointment with a neurologist.
Warning signs and symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, chronic coughing or wheezing, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and others. Heart failure means the heart has failed to pump the way it should in order to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
While these words are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, foggy or unsteady. Vertigo, which is less common than dizziness, is an overall spinning sensation.