ear, nose, and throat disorders
Dizziness and Vertigo
Essentials for Older People
As people grow older, many factors make dizziness and vertigo more common. The organs involved in balance, particularly the structures of the inner ear, function less well. It becomes harder to see in dim light. The body's mechanisms that control blood pressure respond more slowly (for example, to standing up). Older people are also more likely to be taking drugs that can cause dizziness. Although dizziness and vertigo are unpleasant at any age, they cause particular problems for older people. Frail people have a much higher risk of falling and of sustaining serious injuries when they are dizzy. Even if they do not fall, their fear of falling often significantly affects their ability to do daily activities. The drugs that help relieve vertigo can make people feel sleepy. This effect is more common and sometimes more severe in older people. Even more so than younger people, older people with dizziness or vertigo may benefit from general Physical Therapy (PT) and exercises to strengthen their muscles to help them maintain their independence. Physical therapists can also provide important safety information for older or disabled people to help prevent falls. 