Dizziness

As we age, many of us experience dizziness, a sensation that can be both unsettling and challenging to navigate. Dizziness in older adults is a common concern, but it’s important to recognize that it can have various causes, ranging from physiological changes to side effects of medications. Whether it’s a feeling of lightheadedness, vertigo, or disorientation, understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding relief.

Common Causes of Dizziness in Older Adults:

Physiological Changes:

As we get older, our body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and balance may weaken. A decrease in muscle strength, changes in vision, and slower reflexes can all contribute to feelings of dizziness. For example, sudden changes in position can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, known as orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to dizziness.

Medications:

Older adults often take multiple medications, and some of these can cause dizziness as a side effect. Medications that affect the cardiovascular system, sedatives, or those used for anxiety and depression may result in lightheadedness or a sensation of imbalance.

Drop in Blood Pressure:

A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position is a common cause of dizziness in seniors. This condition, known as orthostatic hypotension, can make older adults feel faint or unsteady, increasing the risk of falls.

Brain and Vestibular Conditions:

Conditions affecting the brain, such as stroke, or vestibular disorders, like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), can also lead to dizziness. Vestibular disorders, which impact the inner ear and the brain’s ability to process balance signals, can cause episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) and lightheadedness.

How Asara Physical Therapy and Balance Clinic Can Help

At Asara Physical Therapy and Balance Clinic, we understand how dizziness can interfere with your daily life, particularly when it comes to maintaining independence and safety. Our team of specialized physical therapists is dedicated to helping you identify the specific cause of your dizziness. Through a thorough evaluation, we can differentiate between neurological and vestibular causes of dizziness, ensuring that we address the underlying issue with a personalized treatment plan.

Identifying Neurological and Vestibular Causes:

We use a combination of hands-on assessments and advanced techniques to identify neurological and vestibular issues that might be contributing to your dizziness. Some of the tests and evaluations include:

Balance and Postural Control Testing:

Our therapists will assess your ability to maintain balance and perform functional movements, which can provide clues to the origin of your dizziness.

Vestibular and Neurological Screening:

We check for conditions like BPPV, which is a common cause of dizziness and vertigo, as well as other vestibular disorders that may lead to imbalance and head fog.

By identifying the root cause, our therapists can then create a treatment plan designed to address the specific type of dizziness you’re experiencing.

The Risk of Falls with Dizziness and Positional Vertigo

Dizziness in older adults is not just uncomfortable—it also significantly increases the risk of falls. Fall-related injuries, particularly hip fractures, can lead to long-term mobility issues and reduced quality of life. Positional vertigo, a type of dizziness triggered by changes in head position, can be especially risky, as it may cause a sudden spinning sensation that can lead to falls.

At Asara Physical Therapy and Balance Clinic, we are committed to helping you manage your dizziness and prevent falls through specialized physical therapy techniques. Our therapists will work with you to improve your balance, coordination, and overall stability, significantly reducing your risk of falls.