Dizziness is a feeling of imbalance that may come on suddenly. There are many causes of dizziness in the elderly. A change in vision or an eye disease such as macular degeneration can confuse the visual system and cause a loss of balance. Other causes include age-related degeneration in the middle ear and untreated viral infections.
Positional Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is a common cause of dizziness in the elderly. Calcium-like particles become trapped in the vestibular labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that assesses the position of the head and body in space. People experience vertigo or dizziness after an abrupt change of position, upon awakening or when turning the head. The Semont maneuver and the Epley procedure, a series of exercises that can be done at home, can alleviate symptoms when done for six weeks, according to the Chicago Dizziness and Hearing Clinic.
Meniere's Disease
Dizziness, hearing loss and tinnitus are symptoms of Meniere's syndrome, a chronic disease of the inner ear that affects approximately two of 1,000 Americans. The cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, although conventional thought suggests head injuries, viral infections, allergies and heredity may be contributing factors. Anti-anxiety drugs, calcium channel blockers or steroids may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
Medications
Dizziness is a potential side effect of most medications, according to Dr. Timothy Hain of the Chicago Dizziness and Hearing Clinic. Because the elderly often take several medications, interactions are not uncommon. In addition, older adults may be more sensitive to drugs than younger people, and caution must be used when prescribing dosages.
Stroke
Sudden dizziness is a common symptom of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. All strokes result from a disruption in blood flow in the brain and may cause permanent brain damage if not treated immediately. If dizziness occurs with another symptom of stroke, such as numbness or confusion, seek medical care immediately, warns the Mayo Clinic.
