What Are the Causes of Elderly Dizziness & Loss of Consciousness?

Dizziness is a common problem among older people. When dizziness occurs with a loss of consciousness, it may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Identification

• Dizziness is the sensation of whirling in the head. Dizziness may occur alone or with nausea. At times, people may suffer a loss of consciousness (also known as blacking out) after a period of dizziness.

Central Dizziness

• Central dizziness may occur after a stroke or it may precede a serious condition involving the brain stem and cerebellum. This type of dizziness is often a warning sign of a more serious event to come.

Epileptic Vertigo

• Seizures generally do not cause dizziness before a loss of consciousness. However, epileptic vertigo may cause a person to experience brief, intense spinning sensations before losing consciousness. This condition usually responds well to medication.

Diagnostic Testing

• While it is often difficult to determine the cause of dizziness, there are certain diagnostic tests that may be performed. In elderly patients that experience dizziness with a loss of consciousness, an electroencephalogram may help to obtain a correct diagnosis.

Considerations

• Dizziness is common in older adulthood and often goes undiagnosed. If a loss of consciousness also occurs, it is important to seek medical treatment in order to determine the cause. This can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.