What Causes Vertigo In Utah Seniors?
People with vertigo experience dizziness, feel like they’re spinning, or feel like their environment is spinning. Experiencing vertigo can be disorienting and increase your risk of falling.
Vertigo is common among Utah seniors because seniors are more likely to have health issues that can trigger vertigo, such as heart attacks, hypoglycemia, Parkinson’s disease, and strokes.
Seniors may also be on medications that can cause vertigo. For example, seniors may be taking antidepressants because of depression stemming from social isolation, and antidepressants can cause vertigo.
Vertigo can indicate a serious health issue. In these cases, treatment is crucial to prevent injuries and long-term health issues. Addressing vertigo promptly can ensure the cause is identified and treated.
Common Causes Of Vertigo In Seniors
The following are common causes of vertigo in seniors:
- Anemia
- Anxiety
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Dehydration
- Heart arrhythmia
- Heart attack
- Hypoglycemia
- Menière disease
- Migraines
- Parkinson’s disease
- Spinal degeneration
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Viral infections
Several medications are also common causes of vertigo. Seniors taking any of the following may have an increased risk:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medication
- Medications for hypertension
- Sedatives
- Tranquilizers
Recognizing Vertigo Symptoms
Feeling dizzy or feeling like things are spinning around you are common symptoms of vertigo. Other potential symptoms include the following:
- Balance issues
- Fainting
- Headaches
- Hearing loss
- Lightheadedness
- Motion sickness
- Nausea
- Nystagmus
- Spinning sensation
- Tilting sensation
- Tinnitus
- Unsteady walking
- Vomiting
Symptoms of vertigo in seniors may vary. The cause can affect the types of symptoms experienced, their severity, and how long they last.
Risks Of Vertigo In Seniors
One of the key symptoms is loss of balance, which increases the risk of injuries from falling. Falls pose severe health risks for older adults, and are the number one cause of injuries among those 65 and older.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),37% of the 14 million adults aged 65 and older who fall each year need to limit their activities or seek medical care after falling. Broken bones can lead to hospitalization, long- or short-term rehabilitation, and loss of independence.
Falls are also the most common cause of fatal injuries among this age group, which means vertigo can increase the risk of death, if left untreated. Therefore, it’s crucial for older adults to seek prompt treatment for vertigo and take steps to prevent vertigo to avoid complications.
Vertigo can be an indication of a severe health condition, and anyone experiencing vertigo in addition to one or more of the following symptoms should seek immediate medical care:
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Double vision
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Numbness in arms, face, or legs
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness
- Severe vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling
- Sudden, debilitating headaches
- Sudden difficulty hearing
- Trouble breathing
Managing And Treating Vertigo
Rehabilitative therapy can help those with vertigo regain their balance, which reduces their risk of falling.
Physical therapists develop treatment plans based on the type of vertigo affecting the patient. Those with vertigo stemming from BPPV and head injuries may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which focuses on improving control of eye movements and restoring balance. VRT involves stretching and strengthening bones and muscles.
Restoring balance and reducing the risk of falls by strengthening bones and muscles boosts confidence, enabling individuals to regain their independence.
Other exercises physical therapists use to treat vertigo include the following:
- Brandt-Daroff exercises
- Epley maneuver
Occupational therapy can also help address vertigo and reduce or eliminate symptoms. Occupational therapists use exercises to help restore fine motor skills and teach people how to use adaptive devices to complete tasks. Teaching people how to use assistive devices, alternative ways to complete routine tasks, and ways to conserve energy can help reduce their risk of falls and other complications from vertigo.
How Monument Health Group Can Help
Monument Health Group has several skilled nursing facilities throughout Utah where individuals can receive short- and long-term rehabilitative treatment for conditions such as vertigo and its complications. Our team includes doctors, nurses, and therapists who develop personalized treatment plans to address each person’s needs and recovery goals.
Treatments for vertigo and complications from vertigo may include the following:
Restoring Health And Independence: Treating Vertigo
With prompt, professional care, it’s possible to treat vertigo and prevent health complications. Suppose you or a loved one is experiencing balance issues or dizziness. In that case, it’s crucial that you seek medical treatment promptly to determine if you have vertigo and identify the type and cause.
Receiving prompt care can reduce the risk of injuries or death from falls and prevent long-term complications. With effective treatment, individuals with vertigo may regain their confidence and independence.