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Identifying Signs of Vertigo: How It Can Be Mistaken for Low Blood Pressure

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Community, Resources

For many seniors and their caregivers, navigating health concerns can be challenging, especially when symptoms of different conditions overlap. This is the case for vertigo and low blood pressure, both of which can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and balance issues. Understanding the differences between these conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel as if you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no actual movement. It’s more than just a feeling of dizziness; vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that often results from problems in the inner ear, where the body’s balance system is located.

There are two main types of vertigo:

  1. Peripheral Vertigo: This is the most common type and is usually caused by problems in the inner ear. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis can lead to peripheral vertigo.
  2. Central Vertigo: This type is less common and is related to issues in the brain, such as a stroke, brain tumour, or multiple sclerosis.

 

How Vertigo Can Mimic Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is a condition where the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is too low. While many people think of high blood pressure as dangerous, low blood pressure can also be a cause for concern, particularly in seniors. Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision, which can occur when standing up too quickly (orthostatic hypotension).

Both vertigo and low blood pressure can cause similar symptoms, particularly dizziness and balance issues. This overlap can make it difficult to identify the underlying cause of these symptoms. For seniors, distinguishing between the two is essential, as the treatment approaches for vertigo and low blood pressure differ significantly.

 

Identifying Signs of Vertigo

While vertigo and low blood pressure share some symptoms, there are key signs that point specifically to vertigo:

  1. Spinning Sensation: A hallmark of vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. This is often more intense than the dizziness caused by low blood pressure.
  2. Positional Triggering: Vertigo, particularly BPPV, is often triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed, looking up, or bending down. In contrast, low blood pressure symptoms are typically triggered by standing up quickly.
  3. Nausea and Vomiting: Vertigo is more likely to cause severe nausea and vomiting due to the sensation of spinning. While low blood pressure can cause nausea, it’s usually less intense.
  4. Hearing Loss or Ringing in the Ears: Some types of vertigo, like Meniere’s disease, are associated with hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or a feeling of fullness in the ear. These symptoms are not associated with low blood pressure.
  5. Nystagmus: This is an involuntary movement of the eyes, often seen in people with vertigo. It’s a specific sign that helps doctors diagnose vertigo.

 

Tips for Seniors and Caregivers

  1. Monitor Symptoms Carefully: Keeping a record of when symptoms occur and what triggers them can help differentiate between vertigo and low blood pressure. Note if dizziness happens when standing up quickly (which may suggest low blood pressure) or when moving the head in certain ways (which may suggest vertigo).
  2. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If dizziness or balance issues are frequent, consult a healthcare professional. They can perform tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre for vertigo or blood pressure measurements in different positions, to determine the cause.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to both vertigo and low blood pressure. Ensure adequate fluid intake throughout the day, especially for seniors.
  4. Use Caution When Standing Up: For those with low blood pressure, stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce the risk of dizziness. If vertigo is a concern, move slowly and avoid sudden head movements.
  5. Safe Environment: Ensure the home environment is safe to prevent falls, especially if dizziness or balance issues are present. Install grab bars, keep floors clear of clutter, and use non-slip mats in the bathroom.
  6. Balance Exercises: For those diagnosed with vertigo, balance exercises recommended by a physiotherapist can help reduce symptoms. For low blood pressure, exercises that improve circulation, like gentle walking, can be beneficial.

 

For seniors and caregivers, understanding the signs of vertigo and how they can be mistaken for low blood pressure is vital for ensuring the correct treatment and support. While both conditions can cause similar symptoms, key differences such as the spinning sensation in vertigo and positional triggers can help distinguish between them. Always consult a healthcare professional when you are experiencing these symptoms.

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Growing Needs grew out of our own encounters with caring for our aging parents and reflecting on the Growing Needs that we ourselves would face as we advance in years. We hope to build a community that will learn, share and contribute towards caring for the growing needs of our loved ones.

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