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 resolved.
The most common type of BPPV can be resolved 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 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.
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
I have had BPPV for 7 weeks now. I have seen 2 doctors and am in physical therapy for this. I get the treatment done, am good for a day or so and then it hits again. I get the “foggy” feeling when the vertigo is active, I get very tired, and I am noticing memory issues also. Is this all completely normal? I have an appt with ENT in April. They are booked so far out, I took first appt I could.
Hi Diana,
I am sorry for what you are experiencing.
The fact is that if you are already diagnosed with BPPV, you are way ahead of most people with dizziness or vertigo.
Many people I speak to have never even heard of BPPV even though they have had it for years and seen many doctors.
The symptoms of foggy brain and memory problems are common complaints in people with BPPV.
The practice of Vestibular Physical Therapy is well supported in research to be an effective treatment for BPPV.
It is important that your physical therapist is knowledgable about how to treat BPPV, which means the physical therapist will have training and experience with Vestibular Rehabilitation.
In San Diego county where I live for example, there is at least one physical therapy clinic advertising that they offer physical therapy for dizziness and vertigo on their website, but they do not have any physical therapists who are trained in Vestibular Rehab.
I was not even aware of this discrepancy until I received a call from a PT student who had interned at that clinic. The student told me that a patient came in with dizziness but none of the therapists knew how to treat it, even though the website states that they do.
I was shocked to hear this!
Also, as with any profession, there are different levels of skill and experience among properly trained providers. I have seen many patients who have failed to recover with vestibular physical therapy provided by someone else, but still are able to recover fully with my care.
I would suggest that you make sure the physical therapist you are seeing is experienced in treating all types of typical and atypical BPPV.
There are different types of BPPV that people can have and each type requires a specific treatment.
When I hear from people who are already enrolled in physical therapy, I always encourage people to complete the care plan that the current physical therapist is recommending.
Hopefully, at some point you will have a breakthrough and get relief.
You can also ask your physical therapist what is your prognosis and if your results are in alignment with what the physical therapist is expecting. I encourage you to establish more clear communication, so your physical therapist is aware of all your symptoms and feelings of uncertainty.
We are trained to provide extensive education throughout our physical therapy treatment plan to improve patient outcomes and reduce stress. The following two blogs may be helpful to your learning.
In this blog, I discuss five reasons why the Epley maneuver does not work.
In this blog, I discuss top ten barriers to Vestibular recovery.
Keep in mind that you can seek a second opinion in the future, if you do not get the results you want with your current treatment plan.
This blog has links to online directories to find a Vestibular physical therapist in your area.
I hope your physical therapy is eventually effective!
The good news about BPPV is that it has a high rate of success with proper care!
Keep going,
Kim Bell, DPT
Two days after the start of an attack my husband has the same symptoms. How can I find out if a virus is causing our condition. ENT doesn’t seem to believe me
Hi Donna,
I am sorry to hear this!
I think the best strategy is to get a second opinion.
Here are some blogs that may help you:
Three questions for Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
Vestibular Neuritis Recovery Tips (I talk about viral vertigo.)
Vestibular Neuritis (Definition)
Vestibular Rehab: What is it?
Vestibular Rehab: Top Ten Barriers to Recovery
How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area
Vestibular Problems: Why Didn’t My doctor realize them?
Best wishes to you and your husband!
Kim Bell, DPT
Kimberley,
I was involved in a car accident back in November of 2018. Since the accident I have continued to have lightheaded / Dizziness issues. The main issues are driving or changing head position. I will get a seasick type feeling. I do have discomfort always in my left ear that intensifies with movement. I have finally been referred for Vestibular therapy. The Doctor wanted to be patient and see if the symptoms would subside with time after the accident. Additionally, I herniated three discs in my neck during the accident and had ACDF surgery on C5/6 in November of 2019. I have encountered some memory impairment that is intensifies during the dizzy spells and somewhat recovers as the dizziness subsides. I am an engineer and have continued to work throughout all this, but am just hoping for some resolution to the dizzy spells.
Thank You
Hi Kevin,
I am sorry to hear about the car crash. That is a bummer!
Bravo for your dedication to working even while feeling bad.
My first thoughts for anyone who has been in a car crash include: BPPV, cervicogenic dizziness, and post concussive symptoms.
The differential diagnosis of those three common causes of dizzy spells after a car crash is really an in depth discussion – way too much for this forum.
If your Vestibular Physical Therapist is experienced, hopefully he or she can sort through all that with you.
You may need the care of more than one provider for a full recovery.
I wish there was more I could comment on your case at this time, but I have to hold back from giving you individual medical advice since you are not my established patient.
Perhaps you might like to watch my video lecture on UC-TV on Dizziness and Vertigo (Part II)? I discuss BPPV, concussion, and cervical issues to some extent. Unfortunately I was talking fast during this lecture, but hopefully you can still follow me.
Here is the link.
If you are not able to get a full recovery with the local providers in your area, I welcome you to take a two week vacation to San Diego in the future to consult with me and my team out here.
Best wishes,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hello
I’m having issue remembering things and I feel dizzy and scared most expecially my body shakes anytime I am shocked.. Please what can i do about it
Hi Olamide,
First of all, you should always report your symptoms to your primary doctor.
You may also want to check out my blogs on the following topics:
The Link between Vertigo and Anxiety
Alleviating Vertigo and Anxiety
The Link Between Vertigo and PTSD
Seven Reasons to Seek Professional Vertigo Help
Five Reasons to Seek Professional Vertigo Care
How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area
I hope one or more of those articles are helpful to you!
Hello 4 weeks aga I was admitted to A And E for a vertigo attack . On discharge I was left feeling extremely fragile and had lost my balance I have been booked in for Ent appointments, however I am noticing memory loss, incontinence and continued ringing in left ear where all the problems seemed to have started. Will the situation get worse? Will I have another vertigo attack?
Thank you.
Hi Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through!
Since I have not evaluated you in person, I cannot answer your specific questions about your case.
I suggest that you follow up with your doctors as you have been instructed. Then I suggest that you follow whatever recommendations they give you.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT
Hi Kim,,
What are the devastating consequences of not being treated for BPPV that you mentioned at the end of your article. How serious is this, could it cause mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
I’m 62 and first experienced vertigo two days before Christmas day 2020.
It took my Drs.practice until May 2021 to recommend I see a physiotherapist for BPPV, I was making more and more appointments and getting to my wits end with the sensation in my head of fogginess and like a “spacey” type feeling.
They didn’t seem too concerned at all that I had been diagnosed with vertigo. In fact it was my sister that had initially suggested I had suffered an episode of vertigo when talking to the Dr. in a telephone conversation the day I first experienced it, face to face was not available due to the Covid pandemic restrictions. The Dr. wasn’t able to make a diagnosis over the phone and suggested food poisoning!
I’m still experiencing all the symptoms of vertigo.
Mental fogginess
Disorganization
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty with memory
Reduced cognitive stamina – getting tired after a shorter time with mental activity, this affects conversations if lengthy.
Mild headaches.
This is after 10 months, 5 months of which I have been doing various physio exercises. I’ve been told my brain is using my eyes to keep balanced
I have carried out Brandt Doraff exercises at home and had the Epley manoeuvre performed on me four times, and only twice it resulted in bringing on the spinning room sensation. I have also had a brain scan due to the headaches I’ve been suffering, this picked up cysts in the sinuses in my forehead.
Hi Adie,
While I cannot give you individual medical advice since I have not evaluated you in person, I am happy to share some more articles that may be helpful.
How to Find a Vertigo Doctor in Your Area
Vertigo Home Remedies that Help
Symptomatic BPPV
Why Didn’t my Doctor realize I have vestibular problems?
A Discussion of some of the consequences of untreated BPPV
Another article I wrote to discuss the consequences of untreated BPPV, which is chronic falls in older adults.
I hope that information is helpful!
I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Kim Bell, DPT