Good for the elderly
However, peripheral vestibular dysfunction is one of the most common causes of dizziness in older adults, despite the fact that there are many other factors involved. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common kind of vestibular dysfunction in the elderly, followed by Meniere’s disease as the most severe variant.
One of the most common reasons of dizziness in elderly adults is age-related deterioration of the inner ears and neck (1). The increased risk for dizziness unfortunately correlates with decreased function of the balance and postural muscles, which means that older individuals who have dizzy symptoms are more likely to fall than a younger person with the same symptoms.
The most common causes of sudden dizziness in seniors are listed below. Dizziness is a prevalent symptom of this condition. The majority of us refer to any unpleasant sensation or symptom as dizziness, which can range from tiredness to lightheadedness and vertigo to nausea and vomiting.
The feeling of being dizzy can also occur as a sign of metabolic problems such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), diabetes, and even dehydration, among others. Difficulties with balance and dizziness are especially frequent in older people who have low magnesium levels or thyroid disease (both hyperactive and underactive thyroid).
Dizziness in Older Adults Has a Variety of Causes When it comes to senior persons, dizziness symptoms are one of the most prevalent complaints, with over 25% of those over the age of 72 saying that they are experiencing unbalance or unsteadiness. One of the most common reasons of dizziness in elderly adults is age-related deterioration of the inner ears and neck (1).
There are a variety of home treatments that may be used to alleviate dizziness in older people, including the following:
In general, if you are experiencing frequent, abrupt, severe, or protracted and unexplained dizziness or vertigo, you should consult your doctor. If you are experiencing new, severe dizziness or vertigo coupled with any of the following symptoms, get emergency medical attention right away: A terrible headache appears all of a sudden. Pain in the chest.
Diabetes causes a low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia), which is dangerous. There are several causes of dizziness.
Dizziness symptoms | Possible causes |
---|---|
When standing or sitting up suddenly | sudden drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension) |
Feeling off-balance, losing some hearing, ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus) | inner-ear problems |
It is common for people to experience dizziness due to inner ear diseases. Most commonly, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and ear infections are responsible for the condition. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition that causes dizziness when your head or body position changes (like bending over).
People who have high blood pressure may have a pounding sensation in their head or chest, as well as lightheadedness or dizziness, among other symptoms. People who have high blood pressure may go years without realizing they have the problem if they don’t have any symptoms.
People can take the following steps to alleviate dizziness:
If you’re dehydrated, you may experience dizziness or nausea. Lightheadedness, wooziness, lightness, and unsteadiness are all possible side effects of this sensation. Additionally, you may suffer vertigo, which is a very particular type of dizziness. The sensation of everything whirling around you may be experienced by someone suffering from vertigo.