Adult women performing balance exercise
Table of Contents

    Dizziness and Balance Disorders

    Feeling dizzy can increase your risk of falling. Read on for some of the common causes and forms of dizziness and ways to address them.

    Vertigo and Falls

    • Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance. It's a common form of dizziness among older adults.
    • People can have vertigo for many reasons, but it often stems from an inner-ear problem.
    • Another common type of vertigo is positional vertigo. It's triggered by certain head positions that lead to spinning dizziness.
    • A sudden drop in blood pressure after moving to an upright position is a condition called orthostatic hypotension (or postural hypotension). It can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded when you sit up or stand up.
    • About 1 in 3 adults aged 70 and over experience orthostatic hypotension.
    • There are many factors that can influence your chance of orthostatic hypotension. These can include medications, heart conditions, dehydration, lower physical fitness, and neurological disorders.

    Tell your healthcare provider about dizzy spells. They can check for orthostatic hypotension by taking your blood pressure first lying down and then standing. They may suggest treatment options and/or specialists depending on the source of these symptoms.

    Steps You Can Take
    • Get out of bed slowly if you have dizziness when sitting up or standing. First sit up, then sit on the side of the bed, and then stand up. Also take your time when you get up out of a chair.
    • Do not walk if you feel dizzy.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider:
      • if you have head movements that trigger dizziness or a spinning sensation.
      • if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness when you sit up or stand up from lying down.
      • to determine if any medications you take might be responsible for dizzy spells and, if so, whether they should be reduced or stopped.
      • if seeing a physical therapist about your dizziness may be helpful; some physical therapists specialize in the treatment of vertigo.
    Resources