Dizziness in Older People - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Dizziness is a term that refers to fainting, being unsteady, loss of balance, lightheadedness, or being weak. It is often associated with sensory organs such as the ears and eyes. Older people experience dizziness due to various reasons. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that creates a false perception of spinning or moving surroundings, and it is commonly experienced by older people. Frequent dizziness can interfere with daily life and may affect the quality of life. Dizziness is not considered a disease, but it can be an important symptom of various diseases. Experiencing dizziness rarely is not a concern, but if it occurs repeatedly for a long time, medical help has to be taken.

What Are the Causes of Dizziness in Older People?

The following are the factors that can cause dizziness in older people:

1. Variations in Blood Pressure: In old age, the heart pumping and blood circulation may not be as efficient as it is during young age. So when the person suddenly stands up or changes position, there can be a sudden fall in blood pressure that may cause dizziness. Dizziness due to a change in blood pressure persists only for a short time, and it gets reversed when the blood pressure gets normal.

2. Intense Workout: Over-exercise can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion that may end up in dizziness.

3. Heat Exhaustion: During a hot climate or being in a hot environment can make a person sweat excessively, making them thirsty and tired.

4. Circulatory Problems: Heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart attack can result in poor circulation leading to dizziness.

5. Neurological Conditions: People with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (an age-related neurodegenerative condition that affects motor functions) and multiple sclerosis (a chronic condition that causes the damage of myelin covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord) experience dizziness as a symptom.

6. Decrease in Blood Volume: Blood volume can get reduced due to bleeding and dehydration. Low blood volume can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and extreme tiredness.

7. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level is a common cause of dizziness. It causes lightheadedness and tiredness.

8. Low Iron Levels: Low iron levels can cause iron deficiency anemia with symptoms like weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, etc.

9. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders can cause panic attacks with lightheadedness, feeling of spinning, nausea, and fatigue.

10. Motion Sickness: Experiencing lightheadedness and nausea while traveling in a bus or car for a long distance is common.

11. Infections: Certain infections, especially ear infections, can cause problems like loss of balance and vertigo. Viral infections such as flu can also cause dizziness.

What Are the Symptoms of Dizziness?

The symptoms of dizziness can vary among individuals. However, the following are the common sensations experienced by people with dizziness:

• Fainting.

• Lightheadedness.

• Loss of balance.

• A false sense of spinning.

• Unsteadiness.

Other symptoms of dizziness include:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Blurred vision.

• Sudden headache.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Chest pain or tightness.

• Difficulty in speaking.

• Sudden change in hearing.

• Low heart rate.

• High fever.

• Seizures.

• Facial numbness.

How Is Dizziness Diagnosed?

The doctor will take detailed medical history along with symptoms that occur with dizziness. Ears, eyes, and posture will be examined. CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance Imaging) scans will be advised if a stroke or heart attack is suspected. With these diagnostic methods, doctors may come to the diagnosis of the cause of dizziness. However, if the cause is still unknown, the following tests will be recommended.

Balance Tests: These tests are performed to check the inner ear to detect problems that cause loss of balance and dizziness. Following are the common balance tests:

• Romberg test.

• Computerized dynamic posturography or CDP.

• Electronystagmography or ENG test.

• Videonystagmography or VNG test.

• Rotary test.

Vertigo Tests: Tests for vertigo include:

• Dix-Hallpike maneuver test.

• Video head impulse test.

• Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential test.

Hearing Tests: Hearing tests are performed to detect loss of balance associated with dizziness. Some of these tests are:

• Otoacoustic emission test.

• Electrocochleography.

• Tympanometry.

Cardiac Tests: If the dizziness occurs due to heart problems, then cardiac tests are useful in confirming it.

• Electrocardiogram.

• Echocardiogram.

What Is the Treatment for Dizziness in Older People?

If any underlying disease causes dizziness, then the disease is treated first.

• Blood Pressure Variations: Change in blood pressure occurs due to many reasons. However, it is managed with medications, changes in diet, and regular exercise.

• Intense Workout and Heat Exhaustion: Dizziness occurs in these situations due to dehydration. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can prevent dehydration and associated dizziness.

• Circulatory Problems: Many underlying causes are linked to poor circulation. With medications and lifestyle changes, it can be improved.

• Neurological Conditions: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, but their symptoms can be managed. In addition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are advised. Physical therapy and medications are advised for multiple sclerosis.

• Hypoglycemia: Drinking fruit juices and taking glucose tablets are advised for low blood sugar. In case of severe hypoglycemia, glucagon injection is given.

• Anemia: Treatment for iron deficiency anemia include iron supplements and eating iron-rich foods.

• Anxiety Disorders: With medications and therapies, anxiety and the associated panic attacks and dizziness can be managed.

• Motion Sickness: A person with motion sickness can rely on over-the-counter medications and aromatherapy while traveling.

• Infections: If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are given. Over-the-counter medications and painkillers can also be taken to relieve the symptoms.

How Can Older People Manage Dizziness?

As older adults are at higher risk for dizziness, they have to follow the necessary measures to manage dizziness:

• Whenever the feeling of dizziness comes, take a rest by sitting or lying down. Don't get up until it goes away completely.

• For support, a cane or walking stick can be used. While walking up or down the stairs, use handrails.

• Do not switch positions immediately, such as suddenly getting up from bed.

• During hot climates, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

• Engage in activities like yoga, meditation, tai chi, etc., to improve balance.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can aggravate the symptoms of dizziness.

• Reduce stress and avoid stressful situations.

Conclusion:

Dizziness includes lightheadedness, the feeling of spinning, unsteadiness, fatigue, etc. It is very common in older people due to several reasons. Treating these conditions can eliminate dizziness. If dizziness occurs occasionally, then it's not a problem. But if it occurs frequently, then it could pose an issue. Dizziness can sometimes cause falls and even severe injuries, including brain injury. So, older people should take proper care and precautions if they experience dizziness in any situation.