Dizziness and vertigo after 60: common causes, safety steps, red flags
Topic: Home Safety & Falls
Reading time: 3 min
Dizziness is one of those symptoms that can mean something small—or something important. The priority is safety (preventing falls), then figuring out the pattern.
Safety first: If you feel dizzy, sit down. Avoid driving, rushing to the bathroom, or climbing. Falls are more dangerous than most people realize.
Three common “types” of dizziness
- Lightheaded / faint feeling: often dehydration, low blood pressure when standing, or medication effects.
- Spinning (vertigo): often inner ear issues (especially if triggered by head movement).
- Unsteady / off-balance: can involve vision/hearing changes, neuropathy, weakness, or medication interactions.
What to track (for 3–7 days)
- When it happens (morning, after meals, after standing)
- Triggers (turning head, rolling in bed, hot shower, missed meal)
- New medications or dose changes
- Whether you also have nausea, headache, ear fullness, or hearing changes
Smart question: “Can we check my blood pressure sitting and standing?” This catches many “mystery dizziness” cases.
Red flags (urgent)
- New one‑sided weakness, face droop, slurred speech
- Fainting, severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath
- Sudden severe headache or sudden vision loss
- Dizziness after a head injury
What helps while you wait for care
- Stand up slowly; pause at the edge of the bed.
- Hydrate (unless you’ve been told to restrict fluids).
- Use a cane/handrail temporarily if you feel unsteady.
- Ask for a medication review if dizziness started after a medication change.
Also see: Dizziness & balance (symptom-first guide) and Fall-proof your home.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics or Common Issues.