What causes paroxysmal dizziness in elderly people, and what should be done about it?

Paroxysmal dizziness in the elderly may be caused by conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), hypertension, or cerebral ischemia, and treatment should be tailored according to the specific cause. Details are as follows:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

When lying flat and moving the head into certain positions, the semicircular canals in the inner ear shift accordingly. Stimulation from a specific position may trigger symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting. Medications such as mecobalamin tablets or flunarizine hydrochloride capsules may be taken under medical guidance.

2. Hypertension

The main cause is persistently elevated blood pressure due to vascular disease when blood flows through the vessels. If blood pressure remains high, it may affect brain function and lead to fainting episodes. Medications such as amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride tablets (Ⅱ) or losartan potassium tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision.

3. Cerebral Ischemia

This is usually caused by atherosclerosis or narrowing of cerebral blood vessels, leading to insufficient oxygen supply and resulting in symptoms such as headache and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as flunarizine hydrochloride capsules or betahistine hydrochloride tablets, taken under a doctor's guidance.

In addition to the above causes, paroxysmal dizziness could also result from intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or brain tumors. It is important to get adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to receive standardized treatment under professional medical guidance, which helps promote recovery.