Many of us have at least one grandparent with vertigo but they remain unaware of the cause of their symptoms.
We may see them lose their balance or grab onto something to prevent falling.
They may feel dizzy in the morning or wobble if they turn quickly while walking.
In many cases, their doctor is aware of the dizziness or vertigo and has prescribed medication.
Yet the underlying root cause goes undetected and the medication side effects pile on top.
The danger of this scenario is that the risk of falling is higher due to unresolved vertigo and medication side effects.
In this blog, I share ten signs you have a grandparent with vertigo and what you can do to help.
Top Ten Signs You Have a Grandparent with Vertigo
The following is a list of ten movements grandparents may notice are affected by vertigo:
- Getting up quickly out of bed
- Turning quickly
- Lying on the floor
- Getting up off the floor
- Climbing stairs while holding a baby
- Bending over to pick up toys and kiss good night
- Dancing – fast dancing
- Reading – bedtime stories
- Looking down – to change diapers or feed a bottle
- Bouncing and rocking
How Does Vertigo Affect Grandparents?
Many of my patients are grandparents who have taken on some childcare responsibilities for their young grandchildren.
They seek my care so they can dance with their grandchildren, change diapers, or get down on the floor to play without getting dizzy. Bending over to pick up toys off the floor or kiss their grandchild good night in the dark may cause symptoms.
Grandparents with vertigo may even be afraid to hold their grandbaby!
In some cases of a grandparent with vertigo, we set a long-term goal to feel safe walking while carrying a baby. Carrying a baby up and down stairs safely is even necessary in some cases.
If you can recognize the signs of a grandparent with vertigo, then you can help your grandparent advocate for themselves to get proper health care and hopefully a resolution.
What is a Common Cause of a Grandparent with Vertigo?
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo from the inner ear and is part of normal aging of the ear so it’s very common in grandparents.
If you are an active grandparent whose movements have been restricted or affected by vertigo, you can find a vertigo doctor to evaluate you for BPPV. If you have a vestibular evaluation by a specialist and BPPV is detected, the provider may be able to perform treatments called particle repositioning maneuvers.
In many cases of older adults with BPPV, the loose crystals are displaced into the posterior canal within one or both ears. I typically find that this “normal aging” presentation of BPPV is fairly simple to resolve in 1-2 treatments.
Next Steps
Learn more about BPPV treatment.
Search online to find a local vertigo doctor for your grandparent.
I also treat private patients in San Diego and have published a book for patients who are unable to work with me in person.
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.
