Neurol. praxi. 2021;22(1):11-16 | DOI: 10.36290/neu.2021.008

Vertigo and postural instability in old age

MUDr. Jiří Polívka, CSc.¹, MUDr. Pavel Potužník¹, Ing. Jiří Polívka, Ph.D.²

¹ Neurologická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň a Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

² Ústav histologie a embryologie a Biomedicínské centrum, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

Vertigo is a frequent and serious problem in the elderly. It is a cause of postural instability and falls, resulting in pain, fractures, immobility, depression, and even death. The review article clarifies the terms vertigo and dizziness as well as the reasons for their increasing incidence and prevalence in old age. The term "presbystasis" is explained. The most common causes are cardiovascular (of these, postural hypotension) and vestibular (of these, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). They are followed by visual, somatosensory system, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal system disorders, psychiatric causes, and medications, particularly antihypertensive drugs. The mainstay of care is accurate diagnosis as part of the differential diagnostic work-up and management of the cause. Assistive devices, motor-cognitive training, and education of both patients and their caregivers are all essential.

Keywords: vertigo, dizziness, postural instability, presbystasis, falls, motor-cognitive training.

Received: October 18, 2020; Revised: February 3, 2021; Accepted: February 3, 2021; Prepublished online: February 3, 2021; Published: April 7, 2021  Show citation