Dizziness and imbalance are among the most common complaints in older adults. These are growing health concerns as they put you at a higher risk of suffering a fall.

It has been estimated that 40 percent of adults 40 and older will experience some form of dizziness over the course of a lifetime. The overall prevalence for such vestibular-related dysfunction increases with age and falls currently reign as the leading factor for hospital admissions in adults 65 and older.

While the underlying causes of dizziness in the elderly are many, it can be associated with functional decline as well as an interruption of daily activities. Rather than expensive medical testing or prescription drugs, it may be beneficial to seek out a referral to physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation.

Vertigo, more specifically benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is a type of dizziness that is characterized by brief and intense episodes of spinning. It occurs when the calcium carbonate crystals that are housed in the inner ear become loose and migrate into one of the semicircular canals, causing a disruption in fluid and sending the brain a false signal that you are moving. The resultant spinning sensation, although quick, can be felt with positional changes of the head including rolling over in bed, leaning back in the beautician’s chair, or bending down to empty the dishwasher.

BPPV is more frequent in the aging population, as the protein that holds the crystals in place weakens. However, it may affect all ages following head trauma or respiratory infection -- or without any specific cause. While it is non-life threatening, it can be debilitating and fearful.

Physical therapists are trained in the assessment of balance disorders and may assist you in significantly decreasing or eliminating your symptoms. Many people can recover from BPPV with a simple, non-invasive head and neck maneuver performed by a PT. Treatment consists of a repositioning technique designed to re-align the crystals, along with an individualized exercise plan for optimal recovery.

For more information, call the AMH Human Motion Institute at 618-463-7429.  

Taylor Wernsing, PT, DPT is a physical therapist at Alton Memorial’s Human Motion Institute.