Understanding Vertigo in Seniors
Vertigo can be one of the most scary and upsetting health conditions affecting seniors in Arizona.
Vertigo is a medical condition where a person experiences a spinning or dizzy sensation, even though everything is truly still. It’s common among seniors, and often happens to people who have inner ear problems, experience migraines, suffer from low blood pressure, or have had neurological conditions, such as a stroke. It can also be brought on by the medication seniors take.
Vertigo is often described as a whirling sensation, a tilting or swaying, or a serious loss of balance. It often comes on unexpectedly, and can last for seconds, minutes, or even hours. Vertigo in seniors can affect mobility, independence, and daily life.
It can also be dangerous. Some people who experience the condition can become unable to drive, and it can also lead to the risk of falling or accidents.
At Haven Health, we understand the needs of seniors, including seniors dealing with medical conditions as serious and unsettling as vertigo. As a supportive care provider for balance and mobility issues, we help seniors manage their symptoms, maintain mobility and independence, and live the healthiest and happiest lives.
Common Causes of Vertigo in Seniors
Contrary to popular belief, vertigo is not a disease itself. It is actually a symptom of other diseases or health conditions.
Some of the most common causes of vertigo for seniors in Arizona include:
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- Inner ear disorders: One of the leading causes of vertigo are inner ear disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV. This happens when the crystals in the inner ear accidentally move out of place, which sends improper signals to the brain.
- Ringing in the ears: Officially known as tinnitus, this condition can also affect the function of the inner ear and the crystals inside of it. People with tinnitus may be more susceptible to vertigo.
- Ear infections: Seniors who have had repeat ear infections or are prone to ear infections may also be more likely to suffer from vertigo because of how these infections have impacted the inner ear, such as causing inflammation or damage.
- Medication side effects: Medication for blood pressure, diabetes, and some other diseases can cause vertigo in people who take them. If you’ve started a new medication regime and are experiencing vertigo, talk with your doctor right away.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as low blood pressure, dehydration, or neurological issues can also cause vertigo.
If you’re experiencing vertigo, no matter what the cause may be, Haven Health can help you or your loved ones manage the condition effectively.
Symptoms To Watch For
Recognizing the symptoms of vertigo can make the condition a lot less scary and less dangerous.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness or spinning sensation.
- Loss of balance or feeling unsteady.
- Nausea, blurred vision, or lightheadedness.
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods.
Especially important for seniors, the risk of falling increases with vertigo. Each year thousands of seniors are hospitalized in Arizona for falls, and they are among the leading cause of death for senior Arizonans. It is essential that vertigo be treated to reduce this risk.
When Vertigo Becomes a Safety Concern
Because of the potentially dangerous nature of the condition due to falls and issues with driving, vertigo can impact seniors’ safety and independence.
However, if vertigo can be caught early, seniors may be able to retain this safety and independence into their golden years. By identifying the underlying cause and healing or managing them, vertigo can often be effectively treated.
If the cause can’t be treated, identifying triggers and increasing safety measures can help to prevent injuries and falls. Skilled nursing or rehab programs like ours can provide support for balance and strength.
As with most medical conditions, being proactive can mean the difference between retaining independence and losing it.
Managing Vertigo at Haven Health
Haven Health helps seniors effectively manage vertigo and related health conditions through comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual. Our offerings for those who suffer from vertigo include:
- Physical therapy focused on balance and stability.
- Medication management.
- Support with mobility and fall prevention.
- Monitoring and adjusting care plans, as needed.
At Haven Health, one size never fits all. All of our residents receive a customized care plan that takes into account any health issues, medication, and therapies they may need. This includes support for vertigo and any other issues that may arise.
We always track progress closely, and with the input of families, can adjust this care plan at any time to account for new or worsening conditions, or improvement.
Haven Health — Support and Care for Arizona Seniors
While vertigo can be troubling and frightening, it is a condition that is manageable with proper care. Treated effectively, it doesn’t have to rob seniors of independence, mobility, and the enjoyment of the twilight of life.
At Haven Health, we can be counted on for evaluation and therapy for issues related to vertigo, and to help all of our residents cope with any challenges presented by this condition or any other. If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of vertigo, call today for a tour of our facilities or for more information on how we can help.
Sources:
Schlick, C., et al. (2016). Falls and Fear of Falling in Vertigo and Balance Disorders: A Controlled Cross-Sectional Study.
Vertigo. (2025).
Vertigo-Associated Disorders. (2025).