Sudden dizziness in seniors: What could be the cause and how to deal with it?
Dizziness is a common symptom that many older people experience, and it can have a variety of causes. When dizziness occurs suddenly, it can be worrying, both for the person affected and for those close to them. Understanding the possible causes and how to best manage the situation is important to ensure safety and well-being. In this post, we go over some of the most common causes of sudden dizziness in the elderly and share advice on how to deal with the situation.
Common causes of dizziness in the elderly
Dizziness can occur for many different reasons, but among the elderly some causes are more common than others. Here are some of the most common reasons why the elderly experience sudden dizziness:
- Low blood pressure: Low blood pressure, especially orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing up), is a common cause of dizziness in the elderly. This can lead to a feeling of fainting or instability when standing up quickly after sitting or lying down. It can be a side effect of certain medications or a sign of dehydration.
- Vestibular disease: Vestibular problems, such as balance problems in the inner ear, can also cause dizziness. Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are two common conditions that affect the organ of balance and can lead to sudden dizziness.
- Medical conditions: Certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological conditions, can affect blood flow to the brain and thus lead to dizziness. Stroke, even in a milder form such as TIA (transient ischemic attack), can cause dizziness as the first symptom and needs immediate medical attention.
- Medication side effects: Many seniors take multiple medications, and some medications can have dizziness as a side effect. Combining different medicines can also increase the risk of dizziness, as they can affect blood pressure, fluid balance and balance in the body.
What can be done in case of sudden dizziness?
When dizziness occurs suddenly, it is important to act quickly but calmly. Here are some steps you can follow to reduce the risks and handle the situation in the best way:
- Sit or lie down
If you experience sudden dizziness, it is best to sit down immediately to avoid the risk of falling. Lying down with your feet elevated can also help if the dizziness is caused by low blood pressure. - Breathe calmly and drink water
Sometimes stress and anxiety can make dizziness worse. Try to breathe deeply and calmly. If possible, drink some water to ensure you are not dehydrated, which can contribute to dizziness. - Avoid rapid movements
Sudden head movements can worsen vertigo, especially if it is linked to the balance organ. Move slowly and carefully until the dizziness subsides.
When should you seek medical help?
Although dizziness can sometimes be harmless, there are times when it is important to seek medical help immediately. Contact healthcare if you:
- Experiencing dizziness along with symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, visual disturbances or numbness.
- Have dizziness that lasts longer than a few minutes or recurs frequently.
- Have had a fall due to dizziness, especially if you injured yourself.
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of dizziness
It is often possible to reduce the risk of dizziness by taking some preventive measures:
- Maintain a steady fluid intake
Dehydration is a common cause of dizziness, so be sure to drink enough water throughout the day. - Avoid standing up quickly
If you often experience dizziness when standing up, try to stand up more slowly and give your body time to adjust. - Review your medications
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications to see if any can cause dizziness as a side effect.
Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling
Sensorem’s safety alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The security alarm can automatically sound the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The security alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.
