Dizziness When Standing Up: What Causes It?

Dizziness when standing up is a common problem, especially in older people. It is estimated that at least 20% of people between the ages of 18 and 65 have experienced this annoying sensation at some point.

Although it is a situation that is often worrisome, the truth is that dizziness when standing up is usually not a serious health problem. In any case, it is best to visit a doctor so that they can determine the steps to follow.

Dizziness when standing up is more common in the elderly, but also in people with other chronic diseases such as hypertension. Even in these cases, dizziness should rarely be a cause for concern.

The main cause of dizziness when standing up

One of the most common causes of dizziness when standing up is dizziness that originates in the ear. According to available data, this accounts for 20 to 25% of cases. This form is known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

What happens in these cases is that tiny calcium particles are released into the inner ear. These particles cause the brain to receive confusing signals about the position of the body. This is when dizziness occurs.

Usually, this type of vertigo comes and goes intermittently. In the same way, it is usually experienced when turning the neck and in all situations where the movements lead to a change in the position of the ears.

Orthostatic Hypotension: Another Common Cause

Another common cause of dizziness when standing up is orthostatic hypotension (Spanish link), also known as postural hypotension. When this is the cause of the problem, the feeling usually lasts for several minutes or even hours.

This problem is related to low blood pressure and becomes more apparent when a person stands up. Sometimes it only happens occasionally. For example, it can be caused by dehydration or by spending too much time in bed. In that case, it deserves no further attention.

If it occurs repeatedly, lasts for a long time and causes not only dizziness, but also fainting (Spanish link) then the cause may be more serious. It is very common for chronic orthostatic hypotension to be the symptom of another health problem.

Other possible causes of dizziness when standing up

Dizziness on standing can also have other less common causes. So we will list some of these possible causes below. These include:

• Ear problems. Several ear conditions lead to vertigo. The most common is Ménière’s disease, in which dizziness lasts for hours and is accompanied by deafness and noises in one ear. In addition, there may be vestibular neuritis, with very intense dizziness that usually lasts for several days.

• Use of various drugs or polymedication. Sometimes the interaction between different drugs causes this kind of dizziness, especially in the elderly.
• Panic Attack. One of the symptoms of a panic attack is the feeling of instability when walking, which often occurs when standing up. In fact, it is sometimes experienced while standing still.
• Other causes. Less commonly, the cause of this type of vertigo can be a stroke. This is the sudden blockage of a cerebral blood vessel, its rupture, or both.

Things to Remember

If the dizziness on standing is an isolated episode or occurs only very rarely, then there is probably nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if it is very intense and frequent, then you should see a doctor to evaluate the situation.

It is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you experience other symptoms in addition to dizziness when standing up, such as coordination problems, problems with walking, fainting or if the dizziness occurs after a fall. have bloody stools.