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What Causes Dizzy Spells In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Mon, 13 Feb 2017
Question: Im 75. What causes dizzy spells?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different possible causes such as: (1) side effect of medication, particularly blood pressure medication or medication to help reduce fluids such as diuretics or blood sugar medication or medications to help with sleep or relaxation

If you are currently using any medication, traditional or herbal, you should check the side effect profile

(2)dehydration- inadequate amount of fluids in the body due to inadequate intake or excess loss (Eg from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, blood loss)

(3)abnormal heart rate- the heart rate affects the blood supply to the brain so if it is abnormal in any way, this can affect blood supply and cause dizziness

(4)ear disease- particularly any condition affecting the inner ear

(5)anemia- low blood count can cause dizziness

(6)heart disease such as heart failure (heart cannot work hard enough to supply the body) or angina (chest pain due to decreased blood supply in the heart)

(7)low blood sugar

(8)orthostatic hypotension- low blood pressure on standing

If the dizziness continues or it worsens, then you may want to consider seeing your doctor for an assessment.

This would include physical examination- listening to the chest, lungs, checking pulse and blood pressure.

Investigations may be needed to definitely find the cause.

Treatment would depend on the cause found.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (3 days later)
Ok thanks. Please ignore my two additional requests.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Wishing you the best

If you have any other queries, can let me know
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Dizzy Spells In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different possible causes such as: (1) side effect of medication, particularly blood pressure medication or medication to help reduce fluids such as diuretics or blood sugar medication or medications to help with sleep or relaxation If you are currently using any medication, traditional or herbal, you should check the side effect profile (2)dehydration- inadequate amount of fluids in the body due to inadequate intake or excess loss (Eg from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, blood loss) (3)abnormal heart rate- the heart rate affects the blood supply to the brain so if it is abnormal in any way, this can affect blood supply and cause dizziness (4)ear disease- particularly any condition affecting the inner ear (5)anemia- low blood count can cause dizziness (6)heart disease such as heart failure (heart cannot work hard enough to supply the body) or angina (chest pain due to decreased blood supply in the heart) (7)low blood sugar (8)orthostatic hypotension- low blood pressure on standing If the dizziness continues or it worsens, then you may want to consider seeing your doctor for an assessment. This would include physical examination- listening to the chest, lungs, checking pulse and blood pressure. Investigations may be needed to definitely find the cause. Treatment would depend on the cause found. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions