Vertigo in older age

An older person may have more than one factor affecting steadiness. Head turns or rolling in bed can trigger Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Ear disease, migraine, reduced vision, foot problems, blood-pressure changes, and medicines that cause drowsiness can add to the risk of falling. Vertigo is not an unavoidable part of ageing, and a new symptom should not be dismissed as age alone.

Sit before standing, pause after getting upright, use prescribed walking support, and keep a phone within reach. Improve lighting, remove loose mats, add bathroom support, and avoid walking alone while spinning. Ask a clinician or pharmacist to review medicines, including those used for sleep, blood pressure, pain, or allergies. Keep a symptom record and mention falls, near-falls, hearing changes, headache, and when the room seems to move.

Call emergency services for sudden weakness, speech difficulty, facial drooping, severe headache, fainting, new double vision, chest pain, sudden hearing loss, or inability to walk. Seek prompt medical review after a fall, with repeated vomiting, new confusion, fever and ear pain, or vertigo that is new or worsening. A fall can cause injury even when the spinning itself improves.

Could a medicine or blood-pressure change be contributing? Should my ears, hearing, vision, and walking be checked? Is positional testing or an Epley Manoeuvre safe for me? What support should I use at home?