Vertigo -

[mousefan73]

Hi we booked our first cruise and I have a few basic questions about dizziness/vertigo/. My mom is cruising With us and is elderly and has some blood pressure, eye pressure ( borderline glaucoma). She also is at times unstable on normal ground. She walks without assistance. Normal slow walker type. At times has Vertigo spells. She needs a few seconds to gain her bearings for example when exiting HM, PPF. Those rides with a moving walkway are a challange and she needs my hand getting on and off.

So great maybe now a cruise is Not the best idea. Do you have any tips on what medication can help with these alliaments. we will be asking her doctor specifically for drug interactions but any tips appreciated. I was reading about sea bands and bonine. Also specifically about vertigo. I know it depends on how the sea is, other factors. We are doing a four night cruise bahamas.

I’m just now getting nervous that she’ll need something hold on to. I understand in tough seas one is rocking but in normal circumstances are you able to walk without swaying that much?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'd recommend asking her doctor about the scopolamine patch. It's available only by prescription.

In normal circumstances most people can walk without swaying. Most of the time, I barely feel the boat moving. But someone who already has issues with balance might have a tougher time. Would she consider using a cane to give her added stability?

 

[Otimon]

To answer your question about walking around in normal conditions I would say "yes", you are able to do that without swaying as far as the ship goes.
Only you folks can decide what's best for your family but personally speaking, from what you've indicated, you may have a cruise filled with worry for her
concern and safety rather than a relaxing and carefree one.

If you do bring your mom, I would highly recommend you have travel insurance for her and actually for all family members as well! We never travel without cruise
insurance as the unexpected can and does happen.

Best wishes.

 

[Barbydoll8]

My husband has vertigo and has for years. He doesn't "spin" everyday but he does need to be careful especially with fast head movements or rides etc. He lives on benedryl which his doctor told him to take to help keep all mucus "loose" so it helps cut down on future problems. (this may not be the best course for everyone). We've been on 5 cruises and one with pretty rough seas (up to 18 ft swells) and we did have some wobbly walking but he was fine with his vertigo. He doesn't get motion sickness though. That would be me and that's another story.

Talk to her doctor just to be sure but she probably will be more than fine. And yes, get the insurance. I have found that other than the elevators which can get very crowded, most people are very conscious of elderly, physically challenged on the ships. More than the parks. Just my opinion but I noticed it.

 

[SeaWatcher]

I have Migraines with vertigo and my vertigo can be debilitating. Depending on the cause of the vertigo, meclizine can be very helpful in keeping it under control. It also happens to be the main ingredient in Dramamine/Bonine. Have you considered buying one of those walkers with a seat for your cruise? It would provide stability during natural ship movement as well as during any possible vertigo episodes. Talk to her doctor about the patch. It can cause vertigo and many not be a good option. Enjoy your cruise! I have sailed six times I love it!

 

[disneycruise100]

I don't know exactly how your mom is with walking, but I would give her some extra attention the first night. It's not bad enough to where she can't walk, but it does take some getting used to. After the first night, you get used to it and don't feel it again for the most part.

 

[Psychodisney]

Something to think about before your cruise: Find a physical therapist who knows how to do vestibular rehab! You can make a lot of the motion sensitivity and dizziness better with the correct intervention!

 

[diznymom]

There are hand rails down the hallways and in the bathrooms.

 

[mousefan73]

Something to think about before your cruise: Find a physical therapist who knows how to do vestibular rehab! You can make a lot of the motion sensitivity and dizziness better with the correct intervention!

Something to think about before your cruise: Find a physical therapist who knows how to do vestibular rehab! You can make a lot of the motion sensitivity and dizziness better with the correct intervention!

Thanks you so much! I sent my mom some youtube videos.. have you had experience with this? My mom has had everything checked. ears and neuro... her only diagnosis is that her circulation is not so great in the head ( that is how she explained it too me, I asked for the medical but she didnt have it). The only time we will leave her alone on the ship is most likely in nassau and I think docked boat is pretty stable. other than that we will be with her most of time.

 

[Psychodisney]

Thanks you so much! I sent my mom some youtube videos.. have you had experience with this? My mom has had everything checked. ears and neuro... her only diagnosis is that her circulation is not so great in the head ( that is how she explained it too me, I asked for the medical but she didnt have it). The only time we will leave her alone on the ship is most likely in nassau and I think docked boat is pretty stable. other than that we will be with her most of time.

I'm a PT...I wouldn't say I'm a specialist in vestibular(balance issues) but I do work with people with vertigo and dizziness. If it's circulation,it could be that her blood pressure drops when she stands up. Best thing is to be aware of that, pump her ankles etc. Definitely bring her walker.
The meds like dramamine mask the symptoms. Another thing to consider is after the cruise. She may be more dizzy for a few days until she gets her system back to land!