What is it?
As we age, the inner ear, eyesight, muscles and joints all change. Many older people feel unsteady or dizzy, and this increases the risk of falls and fractures. Dizziness in older people often has more than one cause – and many of these can be improved.
Common symptoms
- Unsteady walking, needing support to walk
- Dizziness on getting up from a bed or chair
- Spinning when turning in bed (BPPV is common in older people)
- Fear of falling, or a fall in the past year
- Feeling worse in the dark or on uneven ground
How we diagnose it here
- Computerised posturography measures how steadily you stand and helps estimate fall risk
- VNG and Head Impulse Test check the inner ear balance system
- Hearing test
- Review of your medicines, blood pressure and other health problems, with referral to other specialists when needed
Tests used: Computerised Posturography VNG – Videonystagmography Functional Head Impulse Test Vestibular Assessment & Rehabilitation
Treatment options
- Treating the specific cause, such as BPPV
- Balance exercises to build steadiness and confidence
- Advice on making the home safer
- Coordination with your family doctor about medicines that can cause dizziness
The right treatment for you is decided by the doctor after examination and tests.
When to seek urgent care
After a fall with a head injury – especially if taking blood-thinning medicines – see a doctor immediately.
If you have sudden severe dizziness with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.