What Makes People Feel Dizzy?When people report feeling dizzy, it may mean several different things. Dizziness is a term that describes several broad types of symptoms:- Vertigo - a false sensation of movement, especially of whirling, spinning, or being off-balance,- Lightheadedness - sometimes referred to as presyncope (syncope means fainting), this is a feeling of being about to faint,- Disequilibrium - this is a sensation of being unsteady or off-balance that is brought on by visual illusions or other dysfunctions in the visual system of the eyes and brain, and- Psychological - dizziness a variety of symptoms brought on by anxiety or other psychological disorders, often described as a feeling of floating, rocking back and forth, or being removed from ones body.All types of dizziness are a serious concern, as they can cause falls and other accidents. People who suddenly become dizzy while driving may lose control of their vehicle and cause a motor vehicle accident.Besides the significant safety risk, dizziness has been associated with depressive symptoms, worsened self-reported health, and reduced overall well-being.Does COVID-19 Cause People to Feel Dizzy?The first two types of dizziness vertigo and lightheadedness have been associated with COVID-19 infection. The virus that causes COVID-19 (the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or SARS-CoV-2 virus) can bring on dizziness in a variety of ways, some of which are not yet fully understood. COVID-19 has hit humankind hard and fast, and still presents many unanswered questions to medical science.People who are already prone to falls such as the elderly may be especially susceptible to suffer injury from dizziness. Unfortunately, this is the same population that is most susceptible to experience moderate to severe symptoms when infected with COVID-19.Lets look at each of these two types of dizziness and how they are related to COVID-19.Vertigo and COVID-19Vertigo has recently been identified as a symptom of COVID-19. In fact, about 2% of people who become infected with SARS-CoV-2 will experience vertigo as their first symptom.Vertigo is a disturbing and even dangerous symptom. Although vertigo itself is a sensation of spinning, swaying, and being off-balance, its usually also accompanied by nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, and sweating. These accompanying symptoms may be severe. The dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sweating usually appear suddenly as if out of nowhere and can cause people to fall from their feet, or lose the ability to control their vehicle if theyre driving.Bouts of vertigo can come and go, lasting anywhere from seconds to hours, or they can be constant, lasting days or weeks. Vertigo can be debilitating. People are often so off-balance that they cannot even stand or walk. Even laying in bed with vertigo is uncomfortable, as the world seems to be spinning around. They are often unable to read or even watch TV in many cases because of the whirling sensation and visual disturbances. As well, the nausea and vomiting can be severe, worsening the experience.Vertigo can be caused by anything that affects the bodys mechanisms for maintaining our sense of balance. COVID-19 can cause vertigo by disrupting the balance circuits in the brain and the inner ear.Vertigo that is caused by disruption of the brains balance circuits is known as central vertigo, because it involves the brain, which is part of the central nervous system. The brain circuits involved in our sense of balance are primarily in the brainstem and cerebellum.COVID-19, like many other viruses, is known to be neuroinvasive, which means that it is able to get into the brain and cause disease. The research literature has documented that about 36% of people with COVID-19 develop neurological symptoms from the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the brain.The SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 has been found to cause brain swelling, partial brain cell degeneration, and brain inflammation (encephalitis). It seems to primarily do so through its activation of the immune system, which produces chemicals (cytokines) that can be toxic to the brain.In addition to these mechanisms of injuring the brain, the virus can also cause a stroke. This can occur due to inadequate oxygen supply to the brain due to impaired lung function. As well, COVID-19 is known to cause an increase in blood clotting, which can result in blood clots travelling in the bloodstream and blocking the brains circulation. In these ways, COVID-19 makes infected patients susceptible to stroke, even if the virus doesnt make it to the brain.If any of these mechanisms of injuring the brain occur in the areas responsible for the sense of balance, vertigo may occur. As well, when COVID-19 affects the brain, other symptoms may be present, such as headache, confusion, visual disturbances, and impaired sense of smell.In addition to central vertigo caused by brain dysfunction vertigo can also be caused by inner ear problems; in which case it is known as peripheral vertigo. The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, which is an anatomical structure that senses whether or not we are moving or tilted. Anything that disturbs the vestibular apparatus can cause vertigo by fooling the brain into thinking that we are off-balance or moving.COVID-19 can induce peripheral vertigo by causing inflammation of the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis), inflammation of the vestibular apparatus itself (labyrinthitis), or by causing inflammation of the nearby middle ear (otitis media).The specific nature of the vertigo symptoms such as how long the bouts of vertigo last, whether or not the vertigo is continuous, and the severity of the vertigo depend upon which part of the balance system is affected. For example, central vertigo may produce different symptoms than will labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis. This helps doctors and physical therapists assess where the cause of the dizziness is and how best to treat it.Lightheadedness and COVID-19As with vertigo, people who experience lightheadedness the feeling of being about to faint often describe the symptom as dizziness or being dizzy.Lightheadedness is caused by an inadequate oxygen supply to the brain. It usually resolves rapidly as soon as the brain gets enough oxygen again, but fainting, coma, and even death may occur if adequate oxygen supply is not promptly restored.Inadequate oxygen intake and circulation is a common manifestation of severe COVID-19. People with severe cases of COVID-19 may require a breathing life support system (intubation and ventilation) in an ICU until they recover from the infection.COVID-19 can cause lightheadedness in several ways:- Inadequate lung function - COVID-19 causes pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), which can cause serious impairment of lung function. As well, COVID-19 can cause the part of the brain that controls breathing to malfunction, so that the body stops trying to breathe,- Heart Problems-  even if the lungs and breathing are working properly, inadequate circulation due to heart problems can result in inadequate oxygenated blood getting to the brain. COVID-19 has been associated with several heart problems that can significantly affect circulation:- Heart attack or angina (myocardial ischemia),- Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), and- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia),- Blood clots - COVID-19 is known to cause excessive clotting of the blood (hypercoagulability). This can result in blood clots that travel in the bloodstream (thromboembolism) and cause injury to the lungs, heart, or brain, and- Low blood pressure (hypotension) - COVID-19 has been associated with sudden, extreme drops in blood pressure that can cause impaired circulation and oxygenation of vital body tissues, including the brain.Lightheadedness (presyncope) and/or fainting (syncope) have been reported to occur in about 3% of COVID-19 cases. Most cases are older people (the average age in one study was 69), and those with other health problems, especially heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.COVID-19 Dizziness and VertigoOf the two types of dizziness symptoms associated with COVID-19 vertigo and lightheadedness vertigo is generally the most problematic and severe. Lightheadedness is usually transient and resolves as soon as oxygen supply is restored; often even lying down and elevating the feet (the Trendelenburg position) is all thats required.Vertigo, however, tends to be much longer lasting, and difficult to treat. Unlike lightheadedness, the cause of vertigo dizziness is often difficult to discover, and difficult to treat. At this point, its unclear how long dizziness symptoms will continue in people who develop COID-19-associated vertigo, simply because we dont have enough long-term data available. Some causes of vertigo are associated with chronic dizziness, but we do not yet know if this occurs with COVID-19.Treating Vertigo DizzinessUnfortunately, dizziness from vertigo is difficult to treat, and there are no medications that very effective at relieving the horrible dizziness. Medications are used to try to reduce swelling in the inner ear or brain (such as steroids, diuretics, and antihistamines), and to treat nausea. Unfortunately, many of these medications are very sedating, and do not provide much relief from the dizziness.Hopefully, treating the COVID-19 and allowing the body to heal from the effects of the virus will likely result in the resolution of the vertigo, but we dont yet know for sure what to expect.A type of physical therapy known as vestibular rehabilitation offers a non-medication approach to relieving dizziness from vertigo. Some cases of dizziness from vertigo may not get better unless the individual is treated with specific exercises and physical therapy for their dizziness and balance.Physical therapists are trained to assess each patients dizzy symptoms in order to customize the optimal treatment approach for that individuals specific type of vertigo. This is important because different types of vertigo respond to different types of treatment. This is why expertise in treating vertigo is important when selecting a physical therapist.Vestibular rehabilitation exercises may include walking exercises, head and eye exercises, and balance exercises. As well, physical therapists can provide education about the specifics of the dizziness, and important safety information.With vestibular rehabilitation, physical therapists are able to achieve several specific goals for improving vertigo dizziness and stabilizing balance and gait. This involves using several therapeutic principles that are well known to improve postural control and balance:- Adaptation - this involves training individuals with the symptoms of dizziness to overcome the false perception of movement due to errant signals from the inner ears to the eyes to the brain, spine, and feet.- Habituation - this is where physical therapists introduce repetitive movements that are designed to get the brain used to moving properly despite the vertigo. With repetition, the brain gets used to (habituates to) the vertigo and begins ignoring the false signals from the balance system, and- Sensory substitution - this involves strengthening other senses, specifically vision and sense of touch (proprioception), in order to compensate for the impaired sense of balance.A recently published systematic review of the research literature has shown that exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation provides significant improvements in vertigo symptoms, balance, and the emotional effects of dealing with dizziness, as well as reducing the risk of falls from dizziness.Dizziness Treatment at FYZICALFYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers provide specialized physical therapy for a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, and inner ear conditions that cause dizziness and poor balance, including vertigo.The dizziness treatment program at FYZICAL uses established proprietary treatment and recovery protocols that include specialized cutting-edge equipment that is not available at other physical therapy centers. This makes the specialized physical therapists at FYZICAL an excellent choice for those seeking relief from dizziness of any kind.The FYZCAL physical therapy team concentrates on strengthening the impaired vestibular system and engaging neuroplasticity the ability of the brain to learn new movements and behaviors to optimize other senses (such as vision and touch) to compensate for the brains or inner ears inability to maintain a proper sense of balance. This optimizes adaptation, habituation, and sensory substitution for helping get dizzy patients back on their feet and functioning again.FYZICAL offers low-cost assessments to diagnose dizziness and to determine each individuals falling risk. The physical therapists at FYZICAL will then create a recovery program tailored to each patients specific condition and needs.FYZICAL offers a wide variety of physical therapy services by qualified providers across the U.S. To find a FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center near you,visit our websiteat FYZICAL.com. Our highly skilled therapy providers are 100% focused onyouroptimal health so you can Love Your Life!To learn more about how FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers can help you, click here.During the COVID-19 pandemic, FYZICAL remains dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and patients. The situation is rapidly evolving, but we continue to monitor and follow the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and local public health organizations. For more information about your safety at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers.Article Written & Submitted By: FYZICAL (click here for more information)

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Guided by the Jewish tradition of helping people. JFCS has delivered comprehensive counseling and social services on a non-denominational basis to the entire Sarasota Manatee community since 1986.In the past year, JFCS served 20,000 clients, providing services to children and youth, families, seniors, and veterans.JFCS has made a significant commitment to offer essential programs and resources to empower the seniors in our community to age in place with dignity and independence. We provide a caring connection to seniors and their families through the following programs and services:Counseling Services support older adults in coping with the many challenges of aging loss, bereavement, family challenges, marital conflict, and adjustment to the many losses that occur as we age. Depression is not a normal part of aging and is both under reported and under treated. Our licensed mental health professionals are available to work with seniors in their homes or at either JFCS office to address any of these concerns. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are accepted.Senior Outreach Services: JFCS offers socialization and friendship as part of a weekly program that connects isolated seniors at a weekly program of group support, lunch, and activities. A handicapped accessible van provides door to door transportation to the Fruitville office for weekly programs. Medicare assignment is accepted.Caregiver Support. It is estimated that over 31,000 people age 60+ are caregivers, caring for a spouse, relative, or a friend.We know that caregivers experience fatigue, isolation, and often don't know how to ask for the help they need. JFCS offers free caregiver support groups and individual support sessions to help caregivers and their families understand and accept the challenges they are facing and connect them to the community resources they need along their caregiving journey. Onsite respite activities are available during the weekly support groups.New programs include wraparound services and in home respite for caregivers, Children of Aging Parents evening support groups, MindSet classes plus an evidence based support program targeted to the caregiver whose spouse/parent has been diagnosed with MCI or Alzheimer's disease.A dedicated Caregiver Helpline is staffed by a caregiver resource specialist during agency hours at (941)364-7560; a comprehensive caregiver website is accessible at www.caregivernetworksrq.orgGeriatric Care Management. JFCS can be a caring connection for family members caring from a distance. Geriatric care managers are available to assess needs, arrange for support services, and provide oversight to give families peace of mind across the miles to ensure that loved ones can continue to age in place safely and with dignity.Volunteering. Share your time and talents as a JFCS volunteer! Opportunities are available to work with all ages and meet your schedule. JFCS volunteers set the example for the true spirit of caring.Main CampusThe Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus2688 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34237-5223South County Satellite OfficeSouth County Human Services Center7810 South Tamiami Trail Suite A-7Venice, FL 34293For more information, call 941-366-2224 or visit our website at: www.jfcs-cares.org.

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Remember the day you got your license to drive? Your first car and the freedom that came with it? Now consider a day in the future when you license is restricted or revoked and you can no longer drive. The freedom to go where you choose, when you choose is gone. Losing your license or choosing not to drive is a loss of freedom. It is confusing and isolating.This very difficult transition happens to members of our senior community every day. ITN Sarasota was established to restore freedom and dignity to Sarasota's seniors and to the visually impaired.ITN Sarasota is a membership based organization and we have been providing rides in Sarasota County for over two years. We currently have 160 members, many of them driving with us weekly, some on a daily basis. We exist to try to restore freedom and make life better for seniors who don't drive. Our service transports seniors over 60 and visually impaired adults 24/7 anywhere they want to go.Last year, from July to June, we made 4,000 one way trips in Sarasota County. 1,000 were for medical appointments. Our members pay a $50 individual membership fee and then a $3.00 fee for each ride and $2.00 per mile.Is it fair to assume that you will drive somewhere today? In your car alone or with a friend? Perhaps you will run errands after that, or stop to see a friend or relative?Now imagine what it would be like to have to rely on other people indefinitely. And for necessities like groceries or medication. ITN Sarasota can fill these needs as well as drive member riders to lunch, to dinner, and to the theater.We rely on volunteers; in fact this model would not work without them. The inherent costs of driving, such as insurance and maintaining our small fleet of 4 cars is difficult for us to afford. We exist on grants from the Community Foundation of Sarasota, Publix, SunTrust, and support from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Bank of America. We have a dispatcher that coordinates the rides from our office. Members call in to schedule the ride and she coordinates with volunteers and paid drivers based on their availability. We get calls every day for membership. We have 30 active volunteers and we always need more!Our members live in penthouses on the Keys and we have a scholarship program for the low income. The loss of mobility affects seniors of every income.One rider has dialysis three times a week and has to be there at 6:00 am. We pick him up on LBK at 5:45 am. There was no other service that could provide what ITN Sarasota provides.If you are interested in volunteering to drive or more information concerning our service, please contact Caroline Chambliss at 364-7529.

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Lutheran Services Florida Sarasota Guardianship helps protect vulnerable adults in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties from abuse, neglect and exploitation.Guardians are appointed by the courts to act on behalf of those who cannot handle their own affairs due to physical injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease or other age-related dementia. A guardian may be appointed to act on behalf of an individuals person, property or both.When LSF is named guardian, a professional staff team immediately conducts on-site visits to assess the situation and secure client assets. Case Managers conduct an assessment and financial staffers begin to marshal and secure client assets. Team members generate a plan of care, considering the clients standard of living and lifestyle to ensure individuals reside in safe, clean, healthy environments with appropriate care and services. Staffers organize finances and LSF begins to pay clients bills, monitor insurance issues, apply for benefits, and manage income and assets.The duties for guardianship of the person and/or property can be managed by LSFs professional staff without the need for a guardian through a combination of services. Services are tailored to the individuals needs and can include: Case Management (coordinate and monitor care needs) Serving as Power of Attorney Representative Payee (manage Social Security benefits) Trustee Authority Representative for Estates Health Care Proxy Assistance in Applying for MedicaidWhen you, your loved one or client needs Guardianship or Case Management Services, LSF is your best choice. Here's why. Availability LSF has 14 local available to meet clients immediate needs Staff is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Stability LSF has provided Guardianship Services since 1982, with over 1,300 clients served in Sarasota alone. Financial Expertise LSF is audited annually by an independent CPA Auditing firm. Centralized Accounting allows for increased audit controls for bill payment and finance management. Professional Expertise LSF staff includes accountants, social workers, Certified Master Guardians, and developmental service workers.For information, contact Anne Ridings at 941-358-6330 or aridings@lsfnet.org

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