Vertigo and Dizziness in the Elderly

Abstract

This chapter reviews some of the common causes of vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance that affect older adults. First, the chapter discusses the otologic causes that are related to inner ear balance disorders. Following that, the so-called "central" causes that have some connection to central nervous system (CNS) disease are discussed, along with other important causes of dizziness or imbalance. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of recurrent vertigo. Vestibular neuritis, also called vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis, and neurolabyrinthitis, is an acute peripheral vestibular disorder that usually results in unilateral peripheral vestibular loss. Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that is characterized by recurrent, spontaneous attacks of vertigo and hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus, usually affecting one side. Bilateral vestibular loss (BVL), referred to as Dandy's syndrome, results from damage of the balance portion of both inner ears. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.