Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Vertigo
Question: vertigo head is spinning when iwake up balance is efected for about halfnhour
Brief Answer:
It appears to be postural hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows;
1. It appears to be postural/ orthostatic hypotension.
2. During the change of position, the baroreceptors in the carotid region (neck) due to old age, take longer to adjust to change in position. These baroreceptors are responsible for management of blood pressure during the change in position. As it is taking more time for baroreceptors to adjust, you are getting vertigo or head-spinning feeling.
3. It occurs during sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting, especially during rapid movements involving a change in position. If movements are slow, vertigo feeling will be less or absent. Once the position is changed, no further vertigo feeling will occur in this position. Orthostatic hypotension is known to occur commonly in the elderly.
4. As the episodes are of recent origin, look for:
a. Any new medications recently started
b. Any changes in diet - low salt or dehydration.
Confirmation can be done through evaluation of blood pressure. A 20mm Hg drop in blood pressure from sleeping to sitting or standing will confirm the diagnosis.
Slow movements during change of position, watching for any medication side effects and good hydration (5-6 liters of water per day) should by helpful. If on any anti-hypertensive medications, dosage reduction can be discussed with your doctor.
Risk of fall is present. Avoid any sudden movements. At nights, avoid poorly lit areas and use care taker support for movements.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
It appears to be postural hypotension
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows;
1. It appears to be postural/ orthostatic hypotension.
2. During the change of position, the baroreceptors in the carotid region (neck) due to old age, take longer to adjust to change in position. These baroreceptors are responsible for management of blood pressure during the change in position. As it is taking more time for baroreceptors to adjust, you are getting vertigo or head-spinning feeling.
3. It occurs during sitting to standing or sleeping to sitting, especially during rapid movements involving a change in position. If movements are slow, vertigo feeling will be less or absent. Once the position is changed, no further vertigo feeling will occur in this position. Orthostatic hypotension is known to occur commonly in the elderly.
4. As the episodes are of recent origin, look for:
a. Any new medications recently started
b. Any changes in diet - low salt or dehydration.
Confirmation can be done through evaluation of blood pressure. A 20mm Hg drop in blood pressure from sleeping to sitting or standing will confirm the diagnosis.
Slow movements during change of position, watching for any medication side effects and good hydration (5-6 liters of water per day) should by helpful. If on any anti-hypertensive medications, dosage reduction can be discussed with your doctor.
Risk of fall is present. Avoid any sudden movements. At nights, avoid poorly lit areas and use care taker support for movements.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
