The most common inner ear condition that causes vertigo, BPPV, can cause vertigo memory problems in patients of all ages. The good news is that if BPPV is the cause of the cognitive impairment, then the cognitive symptoms often clear up instantly as soon as the BPPV is cured.
The most common type of BPPV can be cured in 1-2 treatments about 85-90% of the time. Therefore, finding the right healthcare provider who can properly evaluate and treat vertigo is an important step to clearing up memory problems caused by vertigo.
In recent years, I have heard of a new clinical diagnosis used in geriatrics called “Mild Cognitive Impairment” or MCI.
This diagnosis is being assigned to older adults who are beginning to forget things more frequently than is common with normal aging.
However, I have noticed that two interventions have reversed the symptoms in many older adults that appeared to have MCI.
What To Do If You Have Vertigo Memory Problems
First of all, I recommend all older adults who have been diagnosed with MCI to have their medications checked by a pharmacist for a potential side effect of cognitive impairment. Surprisingly, problems with memory and concentration can be a side effect of medications or a results of drug interactions that a pharmacist should be able to identify and help with in most cases.
The second important step for someone with MCI is to get screened for BPPV. The reason is that BPPV is the most common inner ear cause of vertigo and it occurs with normal aging of the vestibular system.
People sometimes have BPPV but do not even complain of vertigo because they do not assume the symptom-provoking positions or move around in the ways that would trigger vertigo symptoms from BPPV.
However, the BPPV can still cause mild cognitive symptoms like:
- Mental fogginess
- Disorganization
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty with memory
- Reduced cognitive stamina (getting tired after a shorter time with mental activity)
For that reason, it is important for people with mild cognitive impairment to get screened for BPPV. If BPPV is found, even in cases where vertigo symptoms are not present, then the cognitive symptoms could resolve immediately once the BPPV is properly treated.
It is also important for anyone with dizziness, vertigo, imbalance or unexplained repeated falls to be screened for BPPV. It is easy to treat when you find the right provider, but the consequences of having BPPV untreated can be devastating.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content is 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 I might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
Do you train Therapists please
Hi Sharon,
I have written curriculum and trained hundreds of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, and even some occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, medical doctors and chiropractors, in assessment and treatment of dizziness and vertigo.
However, at this present time, I am guest lecturing for students at local colleges and universities, offering public lectures, developing educational content for the general public and otherwise focused on direct patient care.
I am not currently offering any continuing education or mentorship for other healthcare providers.
If you want to be informed of any future training opportunities for healthcare providers, you can join my mailing list and select that preference. I send out free, helpful information and I would include anything I decide to offer in the future.
Here is the link to sign up.
The Vestibular Disorders Association has a list of professional trainings and conferences currently available for professionals. You can find the list on their website here.
Been dealing with vertigo Nystagmus tinnitis for 52 months. C3-4 fusion 3 yrs now with post-op disphagia. Man this combo is driving me insane! Then travelling great distance for VMI therapy on session #33 while returning back home involved in accident in June 2017 further spine and shoulder factures to C7 & scapula. Lost feeling in hands & feet. 2nd fusion to C6-7 resulted in urinary retention & spinal pressure. Getting more cognitive issues . Is Cranial-sacrial therapy proper? I experience more discomfort and has not improved any of these conditions. Should I discontinue or just jump off this bus to nowhere!
Hi Ernest,
I am sorry for the tough time that you are going through!
It is important for you to keep in close contact with your Primary Care Doctor through this whole situation, and to seek any mental health support that you need.
The benefits of cranio-sacral therapy may vary between people and it is hard to predict with your history of trauma. If it helps, that is great!
If you can find a Physical therapist on this directory, it might benefit you to get a second opinion on the care plan for your neck and other issues.
You might be surprised that the proper care for your neck might help with the vertigo and tinnitus.
You can seek an opinion from a Vestibular Physical therapist as well. You can use the links on this blog to find someone in your area.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi,
I’m 30 years old, and Ive been having this for years now. I never knew what it is or what to do. Disorientation and balance problems, memory loss, and lately it has become horrible as I am feeling disconnected to reality and that gives me anxiety. feels like I am going crazy, perhaps I am also more aware of it. (i also have a neck injury like the previous poster) I am on medicine that makes it worse, when I go up a dose, and another one that actually slightly helps, even though it’s not meant to treat this. I have a psychiatrist, who I could possibly approach, but I’m scared he will discern it for being in my head. How do I approach him, how do I explain it and what do I ask of him? Thank you for this article, it meant a lot to me, to have something explained that might be the cause of what I am experiencing.
Hi Francois,
I am glad to hear that you have a reliable psychiatrist to help you during this difficult time. I am not sure how specifically to approach him except to be honest.
You may need to seek a few specialty consultations, in addition to psychiatry, to determine or rule out root cause(s) of your complaints.
The most effective treatment plan will be specific to the root causes. Medications can be helpful to cope day to day, but rarely address the root cause.
In terms of other consultations that would be valuable to further assess for any underlying physiological or physical cause of your symptoms, I suggest seeking an expert evaluation for your neck and for BPPV.
To find a provider for your neck, I recommend searching this directory.
To find a vestibular provider to evaluate you for BPPV, I suggest using the links I provide in this blog.
If you are able to read the comments and my responses from my “Connection between vertigo and teeth” blog, you will learn more about the cervical (neck) issues that can contribute to balance problems.
To share more about the potential mental health impact of the type of symptoms you have, I have published this blog, this blog, this blog, this blog, and this blog which may help you understand more.
Some of the content you read on those other blogs that I linked above may help you explain your concerns to your psychiatrist.
In order to prepare to meet with specialty providers for your neck and BPPV evaluations, I suggest that you record your symptoms according to my list here.
You may also want to consult with a Naturopath Physician, or other type of holistic provider, to determine if you are having any digestive issues, immune issues, endocrine problems, or food sensitivities.
The gut-brain connection is powerful. You may be able to resolve unidentified gut issues and experience a clearing of your mental functions.
I have more information about possible root causes of vertigo that I look for when I examine a new patient on this page.
Please keep in mind you can have more than one cause of your distress, and all causes should be identified and addressed for the best results.
Healing is possible for you. I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT