Dizziness in Seniors: Understanding Causes & Management in 101-Year-Olds

Question
Thank you for your time.  I care for my 101 year old grandmother.  She lives at an independent living facility with me spending about three hours with her each day-- half in the morning and half in the afternoon.  Her daily problem is "a dizzy head".  Often she feels like she is going to pass out.  Her doctor has been able to offer no suggestions other than age.  He did give her Promethazine for the dizzy head- half a 25 mg mornings and half at lunch as needed.  These seem to offer no relief at all.  She also takes two glyburide each day- one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and one amlodipine besylate in the afternoon for her blood pressure.  Her blood pressure and blood sugar, taken at least every other day, are normal.  She says everything is moving back and forth.  She describes it as dizzy.  It makes her feel terrible.  I would welcome any advice.  Other than the dizzy head her health is outstanding for her age.   Often the dizziness is worst in the morning, somewhat improving throughout the day. Thank you again for your time.

Answer
Hi Mary,

Of course I cannot diagnose over the internet, but I can tell you I've known several people who have had dizzy issues in the past few years and most found it was related to their inner ear.  Read the article in this link and try assisting your Grandmother to do the exercises to see if it provides ad relief for her.

http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/bppv/bppv.html

I hope this helps and I wish you both well,
Margot