Preventing dizziness and avoiding accidents in the elderly.
Dizziness can occur at any age, but it should not be taken lightly in the elderly.
Dizziness can cause loss of balance, making it difficult to sit up or stand up, sometimes leading to accidents (falls). It often occurs in the middle of the night or early morning. Dizziness is a symptom of many diseases, most commonly caused by...vestibular disordersTherefore, NCT needs to know this in order to take preventive measures.
Elderly people who frequently experience dizziness should have regular check-ups with specialists. (Photo: TM)
Causes of dizziness in NCT
There are many causes of dizziness, among which vestibular disorders (VSD) are the leading cause of dizziness in the elderly. VSD has many causes: such as poor circulation (cerebral circulatory disorders or cerebral insufficiency), changes in weather, poisoning (food poisoning), and infections.
Forcerebral circulatory disordersAtherosclerosis is often caused by atherosclerosis, especially in the carotid arteries, which restricts blood flow to the brain. It can also affect the cerebral arteries. Atherosclerosis is primarily caused by free radicals damaging the artery walls, especially those of the brain. Brain tissue (composed of over 60% lipids) is therefore even more susceptible to free radical damage.
In addition, dyskinesia can also occur due to hypertension or even hypotension. Brain tumors, cerebellar tumors, tumors of the eighth cranial nerve, or cervical spondylosis can also cause dyskinesia.
Symptoms of dizziness in the elderly.
Dizziness can be fleeting, but sometimes it lasts for hours, days, or even longer, and is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. Dizziness is a condition that can easily recur multiple times a year. It can cause loss of balance, making it difficult to sit up or stand, and sometimes leading to accidents (falls), especially in the elderly.
The illness most commonly occurs in the middle of the night or early morning, when the patient wakes up unable to sit up due to dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and possibly vomiting. The patient feels unsteady, dizzy, and unbalanced; attempting to sit up and walk may result in falls or stumble. Intentional walking can cause injuries to the arms, legs, head, and face, and even brain concussion. Changes in posture increase nausea, making the patient very afraid to turn over or sit up. Mild cases are transient, but severe cases may make changing posture impossible, with persistent nausea and vomiting.
What can be done to prevent dizziness?
When dizziness and nausea occur, family members should be notified as soon as possible, and the patient should lie down and remain in the same position, avoiding sitting up and especially refraining from walking. If the dizziness is severe, nausea or vomiting is frequent, family members should take the patient to the nearest medical facility for examination and emergency treatment as soon as possible.
After the dizziness and nausea have subsided, the patient needs to see a specialist to determine the exact cause, which will lead to more effective treatment. Patients should have regular check-ups, especially those with pre-existing conditions like dyskinesia.atherosclerosis, increased blood lipids.
Patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases (hypertension or hypotension, atherosclerosis, etc.) should consult a cardiologist for combined treatment. If the dizziness is caused by dyskinesia, Western medicine currently offers many effective treatments. Patients must strictly adhere to their doctor's instructions when taking medication, and should not change medications, alter dosages, or stop taking medication on their own. They should also not self-medicate.
In addition, regular, gentle physical exercise is necessary, but with correct movements tailored to one's health and, more importantly, to the specific illness. A proper diet is essential for the elderly to prevent or limit the increase in blood lipids. If diagnosed with dyslipidemia, the family should always keep a supply of necessary medications, purchased with a doctor's prescription, for use when dizziness and nausea recur.
According to Health & Life - NT