Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up?

A brief drop in blood pressure on standing is common, especially with dehydration, some medicines or age. Standing up slowly, drinking enough fluids and reviewing medicines with a GP usually helps. Frequent episodes are worth checking.

What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a broad term for feeling lightheaded, faint or unsteady. Vertigo is the specific sensation that you or the room is spinning, and usually points to an inner-ear cause.

What helps when I feel dizzy?

Sit or lie down straight away until it passes, drink some water, and eat if you may have low blood sugar. Move slowly when getting up. Avoid driving until the dizziness has fully settled.

When is dizziness serious?

Get emergency help if dizziness comes with chest pain, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness, vision changes or fainting. Otherwise, recurrent or persistent dizziness should be assessed by a GP, who can usually find a treatable cause.

Dizziness | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What could dizziness mean?

Dizziness is very common and usually has a simple cause — such as dehydration, standing up too quickly, low blood sugar or an inner-ear problem. Most episodes pass quickly. Dizziness that is persistent, recurrent or comes with other symptoms should be checked.

Dizziness is common — and usually explainable

Almost everyone feels dizzy occasionally, and most of the time the cause is simple: dehydration, standing up too fast, hunger, tiredness, anxiety, or a passing inner-ear disturbance. The skill is knowing which dizziness to ride out and which to get checked.

Common causes

Standing up quickly — a brief blood-pressure dip, common with dehydration, age and some medicines
Inner-ear problems — spinning sensations (vertigo), often triggered by head movements
Low blood sugar — shaky, weak dizziness eased by eating
Anxiety — lightheadedness with a racing heart and fast breathing
Medicines — blood pressure tablets and others; a very fixable cause worth reviewing

What to do in the moment

Sit or lie down immediately until it passes — this prevents falls, which are the main short-term risk. Sip water, eat something if you may be hungry, and get up slowly afterwards. Do not drive until you are fully clear-headed.

When to see a GP

See a GP if dizziness keeps recurring, lasts more than a few days, follows starting a new medicine, or is affecting your life. Most persistent dizziness has a findable, treatable cause.

When it is an emergency

Call 999 if dizziness comes with chest pain, a sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, double vision, fainting or difficulty walking — these can signal a stroke or heart problem and need immediate assessment.

Common questions

Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up?: A brief drop in blood pressure on standing is common, especially with dehydration, some medicines or age. Standing up slowly, drinking enough fluids and reviewing medicines with a GP usually helps. Frequent episodes are worth checking.
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?: Dizziness is a broad term for feeling lightheaded, faint or unsteady. Vertigo is the specific sensation that you or the room is spinning, and usually points to an inner-ear cause.
What helps when I feel dizzy?: Sit or lie down straight away until it passes, drink some water, and eat if you may have low blood sugar. Move slowly when getting up. Avoid driving until the dizziness has fully settled.
When is dizziness serious?: Get emergency help if dizziness comes with chest pain, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness, vision changes or fainting. Otherwise, recurrent or persistent dizziness should be assessed by a GP, who can usually find a treatable cause.

Sources

NHS — Dizziness