Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of balance. Some people with dizziness feel like the world is spinning (vertigo).
Dizziness is very common in older adults and can be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
Older adults can get dizzy for many reasons
- The most common cause of dizziness in older adults is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear become dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place. When these crystals float freely, they can mistakenly activate hair cells in the semicircular canals, resulting in a brief and often intense feeling of dizziness when you change the position of your head or body.
- Many people with BPPV experience dizziness when they move their heads up or down or when they roll over while lying in bed. Vertigo usually goes away within 15-20 seconds, as the crystals settle to the bottom of the semicircular canal. BPPV can also cause nausea/vomiting, nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements), feeling lightheaded, and feeling faint.
- The second most common cause of dizziness in older adults is progressive degeneration of the spine, especially the cervical spine or neck. When your neck degenerates due to natural aging and/or arthritis, it doesn’t move as easily and can send faulty messages to the brain about the position of your head. When there is a sensory mismatch between what the sensors in your neck say and what your vision and vestibular system say, the result is symptoms of dizziness, specifically loss of balance that can lead to falls.
- Abnormal blood pressure regulation is common in older adults. Orthostatic hypotension (or postural hypotension) is caused by low blood pressure, and dizziness is the main symptom. If you have ever stood up too quickly and felt lightheaded or dizzy, you have orthostatic hypotension. These episodes of dizziness usually go away within a few seconds.
- Anxiety and other mental health disorders can cause dizziness. This is especially concerning for older adults, as if they are worried about losing their balance, they may be at increased risk of dizziness and falls.
- Many medications are known to cause dizziness as a side effect. ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers are common blood pressure medications prescribed to older patients. Also, if you are taking multiple medications, check with your doctor to make sure there are no drug interactions that could be causing your dizziness.
Other causes of dizziness in older adults include
- Inner ear problems
- Poor blood circulation
- Medication side effects
- Anxiety disorders
- Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
A variety of lifestyle changes can help control dizziness or lightheadedness in older adults. Try to avoid sudden movements from sitting to standing. If you feel unsteady on your feet, consider using a cane for extra support.
