Suggest Treatment For Severe Vertigo In An Elderly Person

Posted on Sun, 26 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 26 Jun 2016 Answered on

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am a 73 yr old woman and have had vertigo for over a week. Does this mean anything?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
More information is necessary.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is necessary to provide more information about your condition such did you suffered recently any viral infection, the values of blood pressure this week, it is a continuous vertigo or lasts seconds to minutes, any relationship with head and neck position?

Awaiting for more information.....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

My bp today is 147/68, which is pretty normal now in meds, vertigo, lasts seconds to minutes when getting up from sitting, or moving around, or laying down, or bending over. I am afraid of falling but have not done so.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Changes in blood pressure.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.

In this case vertigo is more likely to be caused by sudden blood pressure changes as you change the body position.

Get well hydrated, get up slowly ( stay sitting at least 5 minutes from laying to standing ) and measure the blood pressure in laying, sitting, standing position.

Also, discuss with your primary care Doctor about getting evaluated further with tilt table test.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D