Vertigo is a common complaint from the elderly. The sensation of spinning is often described as dizziness. Older adults who experience vertigo are in danger of falling or injuring themselves. Some can even die from their injuries. The causes of vertigo are as follows.

While vertigo can be defined as a sensation of motion, the dizziness experienced is not the same as lightheadedness. Seniors with vertigo feel as if they are spinning or the world is spinning around them. Several symptoms accompany vertigo, depending on its cause.

As a result of the spinning sensation or motion, seniors may feel nauseous or vomit. Some types of vertigo may cause problems with focusing the eyes, a loss of hearing in one or both ears, ringing in the ears, and a loss of balance that can lead to perilous falls.

When problems in the brain cause vertigo, different symptoms manifest. The senior may have difficulty swallowing, experience double vision or eye movement issues, or have weakness in the limbs. Facial paralysis and slurred speech are also possible symptoms of this type of vertigo.

What causes peripheral vertigo?

Vertigo is classified as either of two types: peripheral or central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is caused by issues with the part of the inner ear that controls balance. In medical terms, these parts are known as the vestibular labyrinth or semicircular canals.

The vestibular nerve may also be involved in peripheral vertigo. The vestibular nerve is located between the inner ear and the brain stem. Pressure on the vestibular nerve, caused by a noncancerous tumor, such as meningioma, for example, can cause peripheral vertigo.

Peripheral vertigo may also be caused by benign positional vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness in older adults. BPPV occurs when small calcium particles build up in the inner ear canal, a condition associated with advancing age.

Meniere’s disease can be responsible for peripheral vertigo in the elderly. Symptoms of this disease include not only dizziness, but also tinnitus and hearing loss. Meniere’s disease results when fluid builds up inside the inner ear, which alters the level of pressure.

Irritation and swelling of the inner ear are known as labyrinthitis. Also known as vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis is an infection-related condition that causes inflammation to the inner ear; in turn, this condition results in problems with the body’s ability to balance.

Seniors who experience a head injury can develop peripheral vertigo. Certain medications taken by the aging adult can also cause this type of vertigo. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, diuretics, cisplatin, and salicylates are drugs that are toxic to the structures of the inner ear.

What causes central vertigo?

Central vertigo, as mentioned, is caused by problems in the brain, specifically the brain stem or the cerebellum, the back part of the brain. Blood vessel disease can cause central vertigo, as can stroke, multiple sclerosis, and seizures (albeit rarely).

Both cancerous and noncancerous tumors can be responsible for central vertigo. A vestibular migraine, which is a type of migraine headache, may cause the dizziness. Like peripheral vertigo, certain medicines, specifically anticonvulsants and aspirin, can cause central vertigo. Alcohol can lead to dizziness, too.

What are treatment options for vertigo?

Dizziness caused by vertigo usually resolves on its own, due to the brain’s ability to adapt to changes in the inner ear. When vertigo does not go away, seniors can resort to various treatments. Affected individuals can turn to physical therapy, medications, or home remedies to reduce dizziness.

Physical therapy options include vestibular rehabilitation therapy and canalith repositioning maneuvers. Vestibular rehabilitation involves performing a set of exercises to help the balance system become less sensitive to motion, a treatment that is especially useful for inner ear conditions, like vestibular neuritis.

Canalith repositioning, also known as Epley maneuvers, relieves dizziness associated with BPPV by altering the position of the senior’s head. Special considerations should be kept in mind for older adults who suffer from a back or neck condition, a detached retina or blood vessel issues.

Dizziness may be relieved by medications, like antihistamines and anticholinergics. Caregivers should be aware that antihistamines can cause drowsiness. When the senior’s dizziness is caused by migraines, preventive migraine medications are a helpful course of treatment. A water pill can treat vertigo related to Meniere’s disease.

Home remedies are plentiful for seniors who suffer from vertigo. Older adults can walk with a cane or discuss with their doctor how to lower the dose of medications that cause side effects of dizziness. Seniors may also cut out their intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and excessive salt.

Caregivers are urged to fall-proof the senior’s living space. Clean up clutter, eliminate rugs and tangled cords from walkways, and place non-slip mats in the bathrooms. Seniors should also consume a healthy diet, which includes staying hydrated to prevent dizziness associated with dehydration.

Older adults who experience bouts of vertigo benefit from extra supervision at home. Assisting Hands Home Care provides quality elder care services to ensure that all care recipients remain safe and healthy. We offer comprehensive nonmedical care and support with the activities of daily living.

One of our core responsibilities is fall prevention, which is critical when a senior regularly experiences dizziness. We ensure the home is free from clutter and other trip hazards and support the senior as he walks, gets into or out of bed, or up and out of a wheelchair.

 

Mobility support is accompanied by additional care duties, such as meal preparation, transportation to doctors’ offices, medication reminders, light housekeeping, companionship, and help with personal hygiene tasks. Care services are flexible, ranging from respite care to live-in care and dementia care.

Assisting Hands Home Care is ready to support your elderly loved one with all the activities of daily living. We promote our care recipients’ physical and emotional health in the comfort of home. Schedule an in-home consult for Assisting Hands compassionate senior care today at (440) 517-4623.