[Current aspects of vertigo and dizziness in advanced age]

Vertigo and dizziness in advanced age are common complaints in daily clinical practice. The otorhinolaryngologist holds a central position in the differential diagnostic clarification. Age-related disorders (e.g. benign positional vertigo, presbyvestibulopathy, otholith functional disorders) arise due to a physiological, individually distinct and objectively detectable reduction in the sensitivity of sensory and extrasensory elements of the vestibular system. They may reach pathological significance if these dysfunctions affect the physical and emotional well-being (e.g. gait disturbances and falls with subsequent morbidity). Disorders accompanying aging (e.g. neurological, cardiovascular or psychiatric) can occur simultaneously with age-related changes in sensory function. The identification, especially with respect to the risk of falling in older people and the development of individual therapeutic strategies is an interdisciplinary task. Besides a causative therapy, strength, coordination and balance training contribute to the treatment of equilibrium disorders and falls from the perspective of evidence-based medicine.