Why Do I Get Dizzy When Standing Up?

You stand up after finishing some work, dining, or TV watching, and the world around you seems to spin. Seconds later, everything seems normal again.

If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Dizziness when you stand up, known as orthostatic hypotension, affects up to 20% of people over age 65 to some degree. 

Fellowship-trained neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani provides effective treatments for ongoing or recurrent dizziness at his New Rochelle, New York, offices. 

Here’s a close look at dizziness from standing, including common causes and ways we can help.

Why you’re dizzy when you stand up

Dizziness upon standing happens when your blood pressure drops briefly, causing you to feel a bit lightheaded or woozy. The decline in blood pressure causes blood to pool in your legs once you’re upright. And it takes your body a moment or two to address that by increasing your pulse slightly and pushing blood out of large veins in your legs.

Similar dizziness may unfold after eating, as digestion can lower blood pressure by diverting blood circulation. In both cases, the dizziness tends to be short-lived and temporary.

Other causes of dizziness

Orthostatic hypotension isn’t usually serious on its own, but dizziness at any time can be a sign of a neurological condition. Some of these conditions may flare up symptom-wise when you first stand up.

Other causes of dizziness we see in our office include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which prompts dizziness when you move your head in particular ways
• Vestibular neuritis, in which a nerve in your ear becomes infected or inflamed
• Vestibular migraines, which also cause headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea 
• Labyrinthitis, or inflammation of the fluid-filled channels you need for balance and hearing 
• Menière’s disease, which can also cause ringing in your ears and eventual hearing loss 

Low blood sugar, heat exhaustion, restrictive dieting, dehydration, anxiety, and stress can also fuel dizzy spells. Certain medications cause dizziness as a side effect, too.

What to do about recurrent dizziness

If you’re dealing with more than the occasional dizziness upon standing, seeking expert guidance is a good idea. Seek immediate care if you experience severe dizziness or briefly lose consciousness. 

For repetitive dizziness, track your symptoms along with the time and what was happening just beforehand, leading up to your appointment. You’ll discuss your symptoms and overall health at your exam with Dr. Elyaderani. He’ll also run any needed tests.

From there, your personalized treatment plan for dizziness may include an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication, canalith repositioning, or medical Botox® injections.

To learn more about dizziness when standing or get the customized care you need, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.