What causes dizziness in older adults? I sometimes experience dizzy spells, but I am not sure what causes it or what I should do about it.

Whether it is a moment of lightheadedness or the room-whirling sensation of vertigo, dizziness can be very unsettling. About 30% of individuals over the age of 60 and nearly 50% of those aged 85 and above have experienced dizziness.

While dizziness is unpleasant, it rarely signifies a serious medical condition. However, it can knock you off balance leading to falls and potential injuries. Due to these dangers, you should lower yourself to a safe, seated position anytime you start to feel dizzy. Here are some of the common conditions that lead to dizziness and potential solutions to address the issue.

What Causes Dizziness

One of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear, which play a role in balance, become dislodged. The chances of having BPPV increase as we get older because wear and tear of the inner ear can cause the crystals to shift out of place.

The resulting dizziness from BPPV is generally triggered by changes in head position. Those with BPPV often complain that the room spins when they roll over in bed, get into or out of bed, tip their head back, bend over or make other quick head movements. These episodes usually last only one to two minutes but they may happen intermittently over a period of time. Although brief, these episodes can be disorienting and increase the risk of falls, making early diagnosis and treatment especially important.

A change in blood pressure may also cause dizziness or fainting. This often occurs when changing position from sitting or lying down to standing. This type of dizziness is referred to as postural hypotension and is sometimes caused by blood pressure medication. Dehydration may be another culprit in postural hypotension. Staying hydrated is extremely important for balance, blood pressure and general well-being. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and to be mindful of caffeine and alcohol intake, which can contribute to dehydration.

A decline in vision and hearing, including ear infections and excessive earwax, may affect your balance. Certain sedatives, antidepressants, cold medicines and antibiotics can also lead to dizziness. If dizziness or lightheadedness occurs on a regular basis, you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.

When to Call a Doctor

Occasional dizziness that lasts only for a few seconds is probably not cause for concern, but you should keep your doctor informed of the occurrences. If it persists for more than several minutes or happens repeatedly, call your doctor immediately. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance, along with facial drooping, trouble speaking, nausea, vision loss or hearing disturbances can signal a stroke. If you experience these symptoms, call 911.

Treatment for Dizziness

If your doctor thinks you have BPPV, he or she can teach you the Epley maneuver. In this procedure, you turn your head and body in ways that move the ear crystals back into place. For medication-related dizziness, your doctor can change your medication or dosage to reduce the side effects.

For persistent problems, your doctor can check for infections, balance disorders and more serious conditions, such as tumors, congestive heart failure, an irregular heart rhythm and Parkinson’s disease. If none are found, your doctor may recommend vestibular rehab which may help with dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. Anxiety and depression may also lead to dizziness in certain individuals. Therefore, addressing these mental health issues may ease any feelings of lightheadedness.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.