Headache and dizziness when standing up: what to know

Moving from lying or sitting to standing makes the body adjust blood flow. If that adjustment is slow, you may feel light-headed, see spots, develop a headache, or feel close to fainting. Not drinking enough, diarrhoea, sweating, fever, prolonged bed rest, anaemia, and medicines for blood pressure or fluid balance can contribute. Vertigo feels more like spinning and may have a different cause.

Note whether symptoms last briefly or continue, whether they follow meals, heat, illness, or exercise, and whether palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or a fall occurs.

Sit or lie down immediately when symptoms start, and hold onto a stable surface. Rise in stages: move your ankles, sit at the edge of the bed, then stand slowly. Drink fluids if you have no fluid restriction, avoid overheating, and do not drive or climb while dizzy. Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking with the prescriber.

Call emergency services for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, or a sudden severe headache. Arrange prompt medical review for repeated episodes, an actual fall, symptoms during exercise, black stools, heavy bleeding, pregnancy, or dizziness that does not settle.

Ask whether your blood pressure should be checked lying and standing, whether blood tests are appropriate, and whether any medicine or illness could contribute. Bring a symptom diary and your full medicine list.