Up to 30 percent of older adults have dizziness and the percentage increases with age. Dizziness is most common in women.

Dizziness can happen quickly or continue over time. It can cause problems with doing daily activities such as bathing and dressing, and increases the risk of falling. 

Types of Dizziness

• Vertigo.  A feeling that everything around the person is spinning or moving, or that the person is spinning.
• Lightheadedness or “near fainting” (presyncope).  A feeling of weakness, or dizziness before fainting.
• Imbalance.  A feeling of being out of balance or confused, or a loss of sense of time.

Last Updated December 2022