Dizziness is not only more common, but also more persistent as people age. It is one of the most common complaints among seniors. It is important to have your parent’s health concerns addressed by their primary health care provider. Dizziness and imbalance can have serious consequences including a fall which can result in long-term disability.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of dizziness in seniors. The symptoms include feelings of dizziness or vertigo (as if the room is spinning) when changing the position of the head, often occurring when turning over in bed. It is thought to be due to small crystal-like particles that become trapped in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. It is often successfully treated with Epley and Semont maneuvers performed by a vestibular rehabilitation specialist. These consist of head movements that are designed to move the debris out of the sensitive part of the ear to a less sensitive location.
Meniere’s Disease
This disease is the second most common cause of dizziness in seniors. It is a chronic disorder that usually affects only one ear and is associated with vertigo, hearing loss and ringing in the ear that comes and goes. It is believed to be due to an abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear and can result in permanent hearing loss. Though no known cure, treatment can relieve the symptoms. Treatment includes minimizing salt intake, possible medications and vestibular rehabilitation.
Orthostatic Hypotension
This is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from a sitting or lying down position. It can be the result of mild dehydration, low blood sugar, heart problems and even some neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s. If these symptoms do not resolve themselves in a short time, it’s important to make an appointment with your parent’s primary health care provider in order to determine the cause.
Medications
Nearly every prescription drug and many over-the-counter drugs list dizziness as a possible side-effect. Make a list of all medications, OTC drugs and supplements that your parent is taking and share this with their pharmacist. He will be able to let you know if there may be a drug interaction or one drug that may be causing the problem. This can often be resolved by changing medications, dose or timing.
Falls
It’s important to resolve this issue as soon as possible due to the increased likelihood that dizziness could result in a fall. While your parent is experiencing this, consider a mobility aid such as a walker and the services of a senior care provider. These professionals can assist your loved one with the daily activities of living, help them safely navigate, and provide transportation to appointments, errands and social outings while your parent recovers.
Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4306472/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Key Biscayne FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
