Vertigo, often called dizziness, is a common issue among older adults. While it may seem routine, vertigo poses significant risks, including falls that can result in serious or even fatal injuries. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of vertigo in seniors and discuss effective strategies for managing its symptoms.
What is Vertigo?
According to Penn Medicine, “Vertigo is a sensation in which you feel as though you are moving, spinning, or off balance”. Some seniors feel they are spinning when in actuality they are not. Vertigo is often described as dizziness; however, this condition is not the same as lightheadedness. Vertigo may be categorized as peripheral or central.
What Causes Vertigo in the Elderly?
Peripheral vertigo and central vertigo are both types of dizziness caused by different issues, especially for seniors who are vulnerable to age-related changes in the body. Peripheral vertigo is caused by inner ear issues that can lead to sudden and intense dizziness, increasing the risk of falls for older adults. Alternatively, central vertigo stems from problems within the brain, such as neurological disorders or strokes. This kind of vertigo often presents more subtly, but can allude to serious health concerns.
Caregivers and family members need to know the difference between the two kinds of vertigo to ensure proper treatment and maintain safety and independence. Below are the most common causes of each vertigo.
Peripheral Vertigo
- Head Injury: Peripheral vertigo has many causes. A head injury, for instance, can cause this condition. Older adults have a high risk of falls due to age-related balance issues and loss of muscle. Injuries to the head can result from a fall, leading to symptoms of peripheral vertigo.
- Inflammation: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve is also behind peripheral vertigo. When pressure develops on the vestibular nerve due to a noncancerous tumor, vertigo can occur. Irritation or swelling of the inner ear, known as Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, affects the aging person’s balance.
- BPPV: Benign positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness in seniors. This condition is also known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. It occurs when small crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, resulting in a brief but intense bout of dizziness. Several symptoms may accompany vertigo caused by BPPV. These include nausea in seniors, lightheadedness, and fainting. If the senior is standing, the dizziness may lead to a fall. Dizzy spells can not only feel uncomfortable but also be dangerous while the older person stands on a stepstool or ladder. Certain medications can also cause peripheral vertigo. Diuretics, for instance, are toxic to the structures of the inner ear. Aminoglycoside is another drug that delivers the same effect. ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers can potentially cause vertigo, as well.
- Meniere’s Disease: An additional cause of peripheral vertigo in seniors is Meniere’s disease, which is caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear; the fluid alters pressure levels. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease include dizziness, tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears or head), and hearing loss.
Central Vertigo
- Tumors: The causes of central vertigo are linked with problems in the aging brain, such as the brainstem or the cerebellum (the back part of the brain). Blood vessel disease and both cancerous and noncancerous tumors can cause this condition in elderly individuals.
- Stroke: Stroke is another culprit, leading to vertigo in stroke survivors. This is especially the case when a stroke affects the cerebellum or brainstem—areas of the brain that control balance. A stroke can affect the vestibular system, a sensory system in the inner ear, which controls spatial orientation and balance.
- Postural Hypotension: Postural hypotension leads to a brief sensation of dizziness when the senior stands up quickly from a seated or lying position; this condition is often a result of abnormal blood pressure. Postural hypotension worsens symptoms of dizziness, as it impacts blood flow to the brainstem and cerebellum.
- Vestibular Migraines: Vestibular migraines, which are types of migraine headaches, in the elderly, precede vertigo as well. While the exact cause of vestibular migraines is not well understood, they are believed to be triggered by a lack of sleep, stress, and changes to the weather.
How is Vertigo Treated in Seniors?
Managing vertigo is possible with the help of professional caregivers. Upon feeling dizzy, seniors should lie or sit down until the spell passes. Try resting in a darkened room, without engaging in stimulating activities, like reading or watching television, for immediate relief.
Make small changes to routines, such as avoiding standing up quickly from a seated position; this can reduce the dizziness associated with postural hypotension. Seniors who feel unsteady on their feet are advised to use a mobility device, such as a cane or walker, for added support.
It’s important to visit a doctor for unexplained vertigo. The dizziness may be a symptom of an underlying health issue that requires treatment. If medications are responsible for the vertigo, the physician can adjust the dosages or drugs. They can also prescribe medicine for nausea and vomiting.
How Do Seniors Prevent Vertigo?
Improve balance with regular physical activity. Standing on one foot for 10 seconds and walking backward are ideal balance exercises. Eat a nutritious diet and avoid beverages, such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol, that contribute to dizziness. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Older adults must receive regular medical checkups, which can detect underlying health issues leading to vertigo. Such conditions include diabetes, hearing issues, and balance problems. Caregivers should be available to provide transportation to the doctor’s office for the health screenings.
Professional Vertigo Support from Assisting Hands
Family members who lack the time to take their aging loved one to the doctor can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care. As a reputable senior home care agency that serves the elderly, we offer a wide range of support services to assist seniors with the tasks of daily living. We provide reliable transportation to local destinations, such as the medical facility or pharmacy. Seniors benefit from our grocery shopping and healthy meal preparation. Caregivers also serve beverages to keep the elderly hydrated, which can prevent dizzy spells.
Additional in-home care services include help with hygiene tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. We perform light housekeeping, keeping the home clean and clutter-free. Caregivers are also pleasant companions who deter loneliness and social isolation with conversations, games, and outings. We schedule exercise into the seniors’ day to help them improve balance and muscle strength. Our alert and attentive caregivers supervise aging care recipients to ensure they remain safe and healthy. Non-medical care options are flexible and customized to fulfill the unique needs of the elderly.
Assisting Hands Home Care’s compassionate caregivers are essential for managing health conditions, like vertigo. Our dementia care professionals serve Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, Venice, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn how quality senior home care can enhance your loved one’s well-being.
