The causes of vertigo in seniors involve a complex interplay of physiological changes and underlying health conditions. You will be surprised to discover that there are so many of them!
As we age, the delicate balance mechanisms in our inner ear and brain become more susceptible to disruption, leading to sensations of dizziness and spinning.
This article reviews an array of causes ranging from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo to vascular disorders and neurological conditions, representing the diverse factors that can contribute to vertigo in older adults. Only a few products really demonstrate efficacy in their use for providing vertigo relief.
Vestibular Causes of Vertigo in Seniors
Vertigo in seniors and the elderly can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
This is one of the most common causes of vertigo in seniors and the elderly. It occurs due to the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear, leading to brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position.
2. Meniere’s disease
This inner ear disorder can cause episodes of vertigo, along with hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
3. Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
These conditions involve inflammation of the inner ear, which can cause sudden vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Infections of the inner ear, such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, viral infections like the flu, or bacterial infections, can cause vertigo.
4. Degenerative changes
Age-related changes in the vestibular system, such as decreased function of the inner ear structures or changes in the brain’s processing of balance signals, can contribute to vertigo.
5. Otosclerosis
This condition involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which can affect hearing and balance, leading to vertigo.
6. Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease
In certain cases, the body’s immune system may erroneously target the inner ear, leading to a condition known as autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), which is among the causes of vertigo in seniors and the elderly.
In AIED, the immune system mistakenly identifies components of the inner ear as foreign invaders and launches an inflammatory response against them. This immune reaction damages the delicate structures of the inner ear, including the vestibular system responsible for balance, as well as the cochlea involved in hearing.
Consequently, seniors affected by AIED may experience symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and hearing loss. The precise triggers for this autoimmune response are not fully understood, but factors such as genetic predisposition, viral infections, or environmental factors may play a role.
AIED can be challenging to diagnose and manage, but treatment typically involves immunosuppressive medications to dampen the immune response and alleviate symptoms. Early recognition and intervention are necessary to minimize the impact of AIED on seniors’ quality of life.
Changes in Blood Flow
7. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Reduced blood flow to the brain due to a stroke or TIA can affect the vestibular system, leading to vertigo.
8. Vascular Disorders
Conditions affecting blood vessels, such as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis, can impact blood flow to the inner ear or brain, leading to vertigo.
9. Migraine-Associated Vertigo
Some seniors may experience vertigo as a symptom of migraines due to a phenomenon known as vestibular migraine or associated vertigo.
In these cases, vertigo occurs as a manifestation of the migraine process affecting the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
The exact mechanism by which migraines cause vertigo is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of vascular and neurological factors.
Migraine-associated vertigo may be triggered by changes in blood flow to the brain or abnormalities in the way the brain processes sensory information related to balance.
Interestingly, in some individuals, vertigo may occur independently of headache during a migraine episode. This can be confusing because vertigo is not typically associated with headaches, leading to the misconception that migraines always involve head pain.
However, in vestibular migraine, vertigo attacks may occur with or without accompanying headache.
Seniors experiencing vertigo without a clear cause should consider the possibility of migraine induced vertigo, especially if they have a history of migraines or other migraine-related symptoms. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for appropriate management, which may include lifestyle modifications, medications to prevent migraines, and treatments to alleviate vertigo symptoms.
10. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications commonly prescribed to seniors, such as those for high blood pressure or anxiety, can cause dizziness and vertigo as side effects.
11. Causes of Vertigo in Seniors – Orthostatic Hypotension
A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, known as orthostatic hypotension, can cause dizziness, vertigo, and a feeling of unsteadiness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
When a person stands up quickly, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, leading to a temporary decrease in blood pressure. In individuals with orthostatic hypotension, this drop in blood pressure is more pronounced and may not be adequately compensated for by the body’s regulatory mechanisms.
As a result, there is reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, the vestibular system, which helps maintain balance, may be affected by the altered blood flow, contributing to feelings of vertigo and unsteadiness.
Other Health Conditions
12. Medical Conditions
These medical conditions prevalent in older adults, such as diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, can sometimes lead to vertigo. Check with your healthcare professional.
13. Neurological Disorders
Conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or acoustic neuroma, a noncancerous tumor on the nerve that controls balance and hearing (vestibulocochlear nerve), can also cause vertigo.
Fluid Balance Regulation
14. Causes of Vertigo in Seniors – Dehydration
Seniors are often more prone to dehydration due to various factors associated with aging. As people age, their bodies may become less efficient at regulating fluid balance, leading to decreased sensation of thirst and reduced ability to conserve water. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes and certain medications commonly taken by seniors can increase the risk of dehydration.
Furthermore, aging can lead to changes in kidney function, impairing the body’s ability to retain water. Decreased muscle mass and changes in body composition can also affect water retention. Seniors may also experience conditions like urinary incontinence or mobility issues that make it difficult for them to access fluids.
Dehydration can result in a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure, which in turn can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, dehydration can affect the inner ear, disrupting the balance mechanisms and contributing to feelings of vertigo.
It is important for seniors to stay adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Monitoring fluid intake, especially during hot weather or when engaging in physical activity, is essential to prevent dehydration and its associated symptoms, including dizziness and vertigo.
It’s essential for seniors experiencing vertigo to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, as the underlying cause can vary significantly, and treatment approaches may differ accordingly.
Psychological Factors
15. Anxiety or Panic Disorders
Psychological factors, including anxiety or panic attacks, can sometimes manifest as vertigo or dizziness in older adults.
Traumatic Injury
16. Head or Neck Injury
Traumatic injury to the head or neck, particularly affecting the inner ear or brain, can result in vertigo.
Substance Abuse
17. Causes of Vertigo in Seniors – Alcohol and other Substance Abuse
Excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse can affect the inner ear and brain function in several ways, potentially leading to vertigo:
Toxicity: Alcohol and certain drugs can be toxic to the delicate structures of the inner ear, including the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance. Prolonged exposure to these substances can damage the hair cells and nerves in the inner ear, disrupting the transmission of signals related to balance and spatial orientation.
Vascular effects: Alcohol and some drugs can affect blood flow to the inner ear and brain. Changes in blood flow can impair the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to these tissues, leading to dysfunction of the vestibular system and associated brain regions involved in balance regulation.
Neurotransmitter imbalance: Alcohol and certain drugs can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, including those involved in vestibular function. Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can interfere with the proper functioning of the vestibular system, contributing to vertigo and dizziness.
Central nervous system effects: Excessive alcohol consumption and substance abuse can have widespread effects on the central nervous system, including regions of the brain involved in balance and coordination. Disruption of these brain regions can lead to vertigo and other symptoms of imbalance.
Withdrawal symptoms: Abrupt cessation of alcohol or certain drugs can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium. These symptoms may arise due to the sudden removal of substances that were previously exerting a depressant effect on the central nervous system.
Metabolic Disorders
18. Causes of Vertigo in Seniors – Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism
Certain metabolic conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can disrupt the body’s balance mechanisms and cause vertigo, contributing to the array of causes of vertigo in seniors and the elderly.
The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism, and thyroid hormone imbalances can affect various bodily functions, including those related to the vestibular system responsible for balance.
In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive and produces insufficient hormones, individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium due to decreased blood flow to the inner ear and altered neurotransmitter activity.
Conversely, in hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland leads to excessive hormone production, potentially resulting in symptoms like rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety, which can also affect the vestibular system and contribute to vertigo.
Therefore, thyroid disorders should be considered in the evaluation of causes of vertigo in seniors, highlighting the importance of thorough medical assessment to identify and address underlying metabolic issues.
Rare Tumors
19. Tumors
While less common, tumors affecting the inner ear, brainstem, or cerebellum can also cause vertigo in seniors. This assessment can only be made by a healthcare professional
Conclusion – Causes of Vertigo in Seniors
It is important for older adults experiencing vertigo to understand what causes vertigo in the elderly and seniors in general. They must however undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.
Related Articles
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- Common Causes of Vertigo or Dizziness – How to Avoid Triggers
- What are the Symptoms of a Stroke – How to Improve Balance
References
Mayo Clinic (2022) Dizziness https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dizziness/symptoms-causes/syc-20371787
