Why do elderly people suddenly feel dizzy, sweat, and experience weakness throughout their body?

Aug 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, my grandmother mentioned that she has experienced sudden dizziness, sweating, and generalized weakness. I would like to ask what could cause sudden dizziness, sweating, and generalized weakness in elderly individuals?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin

Older adults experiencing sudden dizziness, sweating, and generalized weakness may have several possible causes, primarily including the following:

1. Hypoglycemia: In elderly individuals, neglecting proper dietary habits or improper use of insulin in diabetic patients may lead to low blood sugar levels, causing symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and overall weakness. At this time, it is important to promptly consume sugar-containing foods, such as candies or chocolates, to relieve the symptoms.

2. Hypertension: Elderly individuals with long-standing and poorly controlled hypertension may develop hypertensive encephalopathy when blood pressure suddenly rises. This can manifest as dizziness, headache, profuse sweating, and palpitations. At this time, physical activity should be reduced, and antihypertensive medications, such as Nifedipine tablets or Captopril tablets, should be taken under a doctor's guidance to lower blood pressure promptly.

3. Cerebral ischemia: Due to aging blood vessels and increased blood viscosity, elderly individuals may suffer from insufficient blood supply to the brain, causing symptoms such as dizziness, limb numbness, and balance disorders. Immediate medical attention is required, and treatments such as acupuncture and massage may be administered. In some cases, stent placement surgery might also be necessary.

4. Other causes: Cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage can also cause sudden dizziness, sweating, and generalized weakness in the elderly. These conditions are often serious and require immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

It is recommended that elderly individuals seek prompt medical attention when experiencing these symptoms.