Vertigo is a troubling condition that often affects elderly loved ones. It can disrupt balance, cause disorientation, and make them feel like the room is spinning. This unsteadiness can lead to falls, which are particularly dangerous for older adults and can result in injury or broken bones. Senior Helpers discusses the importance of addressing vertigo in older adults to help them live safe and comfortable lives.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation of motion, often described as the feeling that the room is spinning while standing still. Symptoms include spinning sensations, imbalance, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms may be milder but more frequent for those in their golden years. Early identification of vertigo is crucial to prevent falls and ensure timely treatment. It's essential to distinguish between vertigo and dizziness. Dizziness typically refers to a feeling of faintness or unsteadiness, while vertigo specifically involves sensations of false movement.
Typical Causes of Vertigo in Older Adults
Several factors can lead to severe dizziness in elderly loved ones. Here are a few:
- Inner Ear Disorders — One common cause of disequilibrium is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It is an inner ear disorder caused by small crystals moving in the inner ear.
- Meniere's Disease — Meniere's disease, which involves fluid balance issues in the inner ear, can bring on sudden and intense symptoms.
- Circulatory Issues — Certain circulatory conditions, like low blood pressure or arrhythmias, can affect blood flow to the brain and inner ear and cause a reeling sensation.
- Medication Side Effects — The side effects from some prescriptions can cause dizziness and spinning sensations. Talk to healthcare providers to determine if medication may be causing vertigo.
Managing Vertigo Episodes
Get relief from the spinning sensation of vertigo in older adults. These treatments and strategies can help manage episodes and improve your quality of life.
- Immediate Actions— When an episode starts, sit or lie down immediately to prevent falls.
- Focus Your Vision— Fix your gaze on a stable object to help steady your vision and reduce the spinning sensation.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation— This specialized physical therapy program helps improve balance and reduce dizziness through a series of exercises.
- The Epley Maneuver— A specific series of head movements designed to reposition inner ear crystals for those with BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo).
- Medications— Your doctor might prescribe antihistamines or anti-nausea medications to control symptoms.
- Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments— A low-salt, low-caffeine diet can help manage conditions like Meniere's disease. Stress management through techniques like yoga or meditation may also reduce the frequency of episodes.
- Safe Environment— Remove tripping hazards in your home to prevent falls during sudden episodes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Know when to seek professional help when losing balance. Always consult a doctor if episodes become more frequent or severe, or if accompanied by severe headaches or hearing loss. Caregivers should encourage them to attend doctor appointments and monitor their health to catch underlying issues early.
Senior Helpers Can Assist With Vertigo Management
We deliver comprehensive, in-home healthcare services with the health and happiness of our community's clients in mind. If you live in the Centerville, Beavercreek, Oakwood, or Kettering areas, contact us anytime at Senior Helpers Dayton. We are happy to help you navigate the path to better management of your loved one's vertigo in older adults.