Vertigo and the elderly

Who advised her to do these exercises? I suggest you go back to whoever did so and ask for more support, or some alternative and more suitable type of treatment.

Thanks. The exercises were recommended by the paramedics who came out when she first reported dizzyness. We're trying to find out from her GP if there's any additional support but I just wondered if anyone else had had this experience.

That is quite ridiculous! Poor woman.

I had vertigo for a couple of years when I was about 40 and was given tablets. They were similar to travel sickness medication and called Serc tablets (Betahistine).

I'm sure they, or something even better, must still be available.

Or, I suppose whether others have done these exercises and think they're suitable for a 94 year old. We don't want to be forcing her to try to do something that she's incapable off. They look pretty full on to me.

Thanks Allira, yes she is on Betahistine but has been advised to do the exercises too.

I would ignore the paramedics advice- they were probably well meaning but...I would get a second opinion.

I started to get dizzy spells while laying down in bed nake my balance uneasy when getting up.
Dr said i need to do the Brante Daroff abd sent me the link.
I never attemted to do as was scared to donit wrong and make matters worse.
3 months on and i have had 2 clear weeks being dizzy free.

Very unplesent experience i hope i dont suffer in the future again

Cloudscape1

Thanks Allira, yes she is on Betahistine but has been advised to do the exercises too.

🤔
I'd ignore them too. Perhaps get a GP appointment asap in case something else is causing it.

The should not do this procedure on a regular basis at all and she st her tender age it should be performed by a trained person as it is a specific action
I am on betahistine for my menieres and it helps plus I complete specific eye movements daily to allow both sides of my brain to work correctly! This lady requires correct assessment for her vertigo symptoms ! There are physios who specialise in this as well !

I went to the hospital just last week for something similar. they stood behind me and jerked my head quite quickly side to side. Apparently the fluid in you ears can get out of balance and this is designed to make it sit even again. Also medication is prob best for her age.

I am 80. I experienced vertigo over a couple of months. I then had a TIA caused by a 90% blocked carotid artery. Had surgery to clear artery...vertigo disappeared. Sometimes there is a reason but Doctors will tailor their advice to the patient.

There are many types of vertigo so what are her symptoms
If it’s bppv it needs a manoeuvre to diagnose it
There are osteopathies and physios that can do this and the gp can also
If it’s not bppv then there are other types that need other measures to try and sort it out and it’s it necessarily menieres I speak from personal experience .

has she been checked for ear wax? ear issues can affect balance

You do not say if anyone has tried to find out why your mother-in-law has vertigo. If the cause has not been established, that would be the place to start.

Vertigo can be caused by something as simple as the wrong precription for her glasses. It could also be due to a number of physical ills from dehydration to wrong blood pressure, thyroid trouble etc. etc.

So, by all means get back to her physiotherapist and tell him or her that there is no way the poor lady can do these exercises, but get hold of her GP too and ask why he or she has actually diagnosed.

if it is BPPV then the Epley manoeuvre might cure it - the manoeuvre itself lasts about 3 or 4 minutes and it is not pleasant BUT then most people are cured. Well worth it. A few people are only cured temporarily but if the vertigo recurs the Epley Manoeuvre helps - till the next time. Below is a link for right ear BPPV.

www.uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-website-2019/Patientinformation/Audiology/Home-Epley-manoeuvre-to-treat-BPPV-right-ear-2783-PIL.pdf

If you have left ear BPPV you can find instructions on line and some medical people will help. If not BPPV then I doubt Epley would help.

As has been said, dizziness can be symptomatic of other issues. I would insist on a GP visit. I've only heard of these exercises being done by a medical professional.

Thanks everyone this has all been really helpful. She was diagnosed with BPPV by paramedics (who also ruled out a stroke) they also spoke to her GP. Thanks to your advice I’m now clear that it’s reasonable to say that these exercises are beyond her. She’s on a waiting list for a physio to help her with them . In the meantime her symptoms have improved a little so, hopefully, the medication is beginning to work. Thanks again for all your input.

Has she had her blood pressure checked recently?
Low blood pressure can cause vertigo.

I am 85 and suffer with spinal stenosis and arthritis. I was diagnosed with BPPV after a fall when I broke my wrist. The GP sent me the Epley manoeuvre on line but I could not swing my legs together . I had a few near misses (falls) while trying to do the manoeuvre so decided to stop doing it. The vertigo cleared up and I now only suffer it occasionally. No-one checked whether I was doing the exercise. I think it was recommended to get me out of the surgery! I now get a warning (double vision) if I am about to suffer a bout of vertigo, I so find the nearest chair to sit down. Takes about 5 minutes for the dizziness to pass. I understand what the manoeuvre is about but it is a bit drastic for elderly infirm patients.

I was diagnosed with vertigo 12 days ago and prescribed tablets for it.
Betahistine I was prescribed.

My husband was diagnosed with BPPV and was given a link to online exercises. I held his head and moved it around as suggested. It took about a week to go. Apparently it’s because crystals in the inner ear move into the wrong place and the exercises are to make them go back.
He was quite sick the first few times of trying to!
It’s horrible and quite scary. I could actually see his pupils moving involuntarily!

I had a severe dizzy spell. The doctor recommended the excercise to me. They are on line from , I think, Southampton medical school via NHS. It worked for me. It seems to be a case of re setting the crystals in the ear. Hope your MIL recovers.

I have been taking betahistine for many years and it’s been a long time since my last attack of vertigo, but want to avoid it returning so have carried on with it just in case, as it’s a horrible experience.
I hope your mil feels better soon. I don’t think she shoukd try to do anything on her own which makes her uncomfortable. There are so many reasons for dizziness, it’s not always about crystals , in the 40 years I have had this problem crystals have never been mentioned.
Sparkly hope you feel better soon. It can take time so be patient.

I have had vertigo quite a lot. These exercises always work but obviously not suitable for frail people. However its best to try eg vertigon tablets widely available and very effective. But check with her other medications for interactions, on internet.