WHY DO YOU FEEL DIZZY WHEN YOU STAND UP SUDDENLY?

Ever stood up quickly from a chair and felt your head spin, your vision blur, or even felt on the verge of fainting? This common experience has a medical explanation. Known as orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension, it happens when your body struggles to adjust blood pressure quickly enough to maintain proper blood flow to the brain.

Understanding why it occurs and adopting simple lifestyle measures can help prevent these dizzy spells.

WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE YOUR BODY

"When you stand, gravity pulls blood down toward your legs, temporarily reducing blood flow to your brain," explains Dr Girishkumar Soni, Neurologist at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. "Normally, the autonomic nervous system compensates by tightening blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. But if this response is slow, you may experience dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting."

COMMON CAUSES OF DIZZINESS

Dr Sachin Adukia, Senior Consultant Neurologist at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, explains that the two main causes are orthostatic hypotension and vertigo. "Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, often due to diabetes-related nerve damage or use of multiple blood pressure medications.

Vertigo, on the other hand, involves a disturbance in the vestibular system, the brain's balance apparatus, and can be benign or indicate a more serious condition," he says.

Other triggers include dehydration, anaemia, prolonged bed rest, certain medications, and ageing, which can reduce the body's ability to adjust blood pressure efficiently.

"The brain is very sensitive to oxygen supply," says Dr Nikhil Jadhav, Consultant Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund. "Even a brief drop in blood flow can cause lightheadedness or imbalance. Unlike nutrients, oxygen isn't stored, so any disruption is noticed immediately."

TIPS TO MANAGE AND PREVENT DIZZINESS

Experts suggest lifestyle changes and preventive measures to reduce dizzy spells:

• Stand up slowly: Sit at the edge of the bed or chair for a few seconds, bend your knees, and rise gradually.
• Stay hydrated: Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance to preserve blood volume.
• Exercise regularly: Lightweight training or activities that improve muscle tone help. Dr Jadhav recommends intermittent toe rises or crossing legs while sitting for repeated episodes.
• Compression stockings: Prevent blood pooling in the legs.
• Review medications: Periodically check blood pressure or other medications with your doctor.

Dr Adukia advises low-carbohydrate meals, small but frequent portions, and avoiding sitting cross-legged for long periods to reduce dizziness risk.

For dizziness caused by vertigo, home management includes slow rising and avoiding sudden neck movements, along with vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Medications may be used if recommended by a doctor.

Occasional dizziness is usually harmless, but persistent spells or dizziness with fainting, chest pain, palpitations, or confusion require medical evaluation. A neurological and cardiac checkup can rule out serious conditions and prevent falls.

Feeling dizzy when standing suddenly is common, but understanding the causes and adopting simple precautions, hydration, exercise, slow movements, and regular medical reviews, can significantly reduce the risk. Small lifestyle adjustments often make a big difference in daily safety and balance.

2025-10-06T07:35:07Z