TL;DR – Causes of Vertigo by Age
The causes of vertigo vary by age group. Children often experience vertigo from concussions or migraines, adults from stress, lifestyle factors, or injury, and older adults commonly from BPPV and age-related changes. Identifying the root cause is essential for an effective treatment plan.
Many people think vertigo only affects older adults, but that’s not the case. The causes of vertigo by age vary widely, and I’ve treated patients from as young as 5 years old to over 100.
How Vertigo Affects Different Age Groups
The most common causes of vertigo vary by age group. In this blog, I will provide you with a brief snapshot of common causes of vertigo I find in each age group.
Common Causes in Children
Young patients: Often concussions, head injuries, gut issues, or infections trigger dizziness or vertigo in children.
Young patients are also subject to pediatric migraine disorder causing recurring dizzy spells and vertigo episodes.
To learn more about childhood vertigo, click here.
Common Causes in Adults
Middle-aged adults: Common causes and risk factors for dizziness and vertigo in middle-aged adults include hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, intake of certain foods (excessive caffeine, alcohol, sugar), tech neck from improper posture while using a phone or tablet, poor ergonomics on laptop or desktop computer, inflammation, dehydration, nutritional deficiency, unstable blood sugar, viral activity like herpes, long COVID, neck pain or stiffness, and trauma that caused a whiplash injury or head injury (concussion, TBI).
Stress management, proper posture, correct ergonomic set up, daily hydration, adequate sleep, and healthy nutrition can help reduce the risk of dizziness and vertigo for middle-aged adults.
Common Causes in Older Adults
Older adults: Natural degeneration of inner ear crystals due to normal aging often causes balance issues from BPPV in older adults. In this 30-minute webinar, I talk about why older adults with BPPV may not complain of spinning vertigo but can still feel off balance and fall.
Degeneration of the cervical spine with aging and even neurodegeneration of the brain can contribute to dizziness and vertigo in older adults.
Presbyastasis is a decline in all sensory systems with normal aging (vision, vestibular, proprioception, sensation in the feet, etc.) which can contribute to dizziness and imbalance in older adults.
Medical problems with blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney, heart, liver, lungs and blood sugar (diabetes) can also cause dizziness in older adults.
Can Medications Cause Vertigo at Any Age?
Medication side effects can cause dizziness in patients of any age and should always be considered for patients on medication regardless of age.
The Most Common Cause of Vertigo: BPPV
The most common vestibular cause of dizziness or vertigo is BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, disrupting your sense of balance. Understanding the root cause is key, because once you know it, effective treatment is usually possible.
How BPPV Is Treated
Treatment for BPPV is called particle-repositioning maneuvers. These maneuvers must be done precisely to get a good outcome, so working with an experienced professional is key. When done correctly, these specific treatments can resolve dizziness, vertigo, nausea, imbalance, and motion sensitivity for patients with BPPV swiftly in many cases.
The Bottom Line: Vertigo Can Be Treated at Any Age
No matter your age, vertigo doesn’t have to control your life. If you live in the San Diego area,request an initial consultation. I’ll help identify the root cause and create a personalized treatment plan to help you get your life back.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo by Age
Does vertigo only affect older adults?
No. Vertigo can affect people of all ages, including children, adults, and older adults, depending on the underlying cause.
What causes vertigo in children?
Common causes include concussions, gut issues, infections, and pediatric migraine disorders.
What is the most common cause of vertigo in adults?
In adults, vertigo is often related to stress, lifestyle factors, migraines, or head and neck issues.
Why is vertigo more common in older adults?
Age-related changes in the inner ear, such as BPPV, and overall decline in sensory systems of balance with normal aging increase the risk.
Can vertigo be treated at any age?
Yes. Most causes of vertigo can be reduced if not completely resolved after the correct diagnosis is identified.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
