Understanding Vertigo in Seniors: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

By James Hughes | December 19, 2024 |

Elder care can help aging seniors with support for chronic issues like vertigo.

Vertigo, which is characterized by a spinning or dizzy sensation, can have a substantial influence on quality of life. Unfortunately, people become more susceptible to vertigo as they age due to changes in their inner ear, neurological system, and overall balance processes, which makes vertigo a significant issue for seniors. The good news is that elder care providers can help seniors recognize the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions to improve their safety and well-being.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo is not a sickness but rather a symptom of an underlying illness that affects the vestibular system, which controls balance. Seniors experiencing vertigo frequently describe feeling as if the world is spinning around them. This confusing sensation can continue for seconds to hours and may cause nausea, vomiting, and issues with walking.

Common Causes of Vertigo Among Seniors

No two seniors are alike, so it’s important for them to understand the common causes of vertigo. Elder care providers can provide them with this information and encourage them to discuss their concerns with their medical team. Some of the causes include the following:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) happens when microscopic calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, causing the brain to receive incorrect balance signals. Even simple movements, such as rolling over in bed, can cause vertigo episodes.

Meniere’s Disease

This chronic disorder is characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, which causes vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ear ringing), and a sensation of fullness in the ears.

Vestibular Neuritis

An inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection, can produce sudden and severe vertigo attacks.

Age-Related Changes

Natural aging can affect balance mechanisms, making seniors more susceptible to vertigo. Reduced blood supply to the inner ear and degenerative changes in the cervical spine can also contribute.

Medications

Some medications recommended to seniors, such as antihypertensives, sedatives, and antidepressants, may have dizziness or vertigo as a side effect.

Impact on Seniors

Vertigo in seniors is more than just a nuisance. It may lead to:

Increased Risk of Falls: Dizziness makes seniors more likely to lose their balance, which can lead to falls and injuries such as fractures.
Reduced Mobility: Persistent vertigo can make seniors afraid to move too much, which leads to decreased activity and muscle weakness.
Mental Health Issues: The persistent worry might lead to anxiety, depression, or social disengagement.

Identifying Signs of Vertigo

In addition to a spinning feeling, seniors with vertigo may experience the following:

Loss of equilibrium or coordination
Blurred vision
Lightheadedness
Nausea and vomiting

Elder care professionals and loved ones can explore these symptoms with seniors and encourage them to talk with their medical team if they are present to identify the underlying cause.

Management and Prevention

Addressing the underlying cause of vertigo is critical for effective treatment. Some of the strategies that might be used are:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

This type of physical therapy involves performing specialized exercises to enhance balance and train the brain to adjust for vestibular impairment.

Lifestyle Modifications

Seniors can also alter their lifestyle by staying hydrated, reducing their salt intake, avoiding sudden movements, and making sure their home has safety features to lower the risk of falls.

Be Proactive

Regular health screenings can help detect vertigo early on and ensure the right treatment is provided.

With the help of elder care providers, seniors can recognize the symptoms of vertigo and take steps to reduce its impact as well as gain the courage they need to talk with the medical team about their concerns.

If you or someone you know needs Elder Care in Daphne, AL, please contact the friendly caregivers at  Hughes Home Care. We provide quality and affordable care for your elderly loved ones in our community. Serving Mobile & Baldwin County. Call us today at (251) 517-9901

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James Hughes

Owner at Hughes Home Care

James Hughes is a graduate of The University of Alabama (Health Care Administration), the University Of Alabama, Birmingham (Physical Therapy) and is a Navy veteran.

He has three teenage children and are actively involved in their church and community – James coach’s youth football, basketball and baseball and serves at 3 Circle Church. He is a member of the Fairhope Youth Football Board and the Rock Creek POA Board.

It is his passion and commitment to providing quality and responsive service that has made their company the fastest growing home care agency in South Alabama.

He believes that being an independently owned and operated company gives him the flexibility to manage his business in a way that better serves their clients.

He understands that you have a choice of care providers and he will do his utmost to earn your trust.