Throbbing headache when standing up

Standing changes how blood moves through the body. If you are dehydrated, overheated, unwell, or have not eaten, you may notice light-headedness, a pulsing head sensation, blurred vision, or weakness at the same time. Migraine can also become more noticeable with movement. A cold, sinus inflammation, anxiety, or a medicine that affects blood pressure may be relevant. Note whether symptoms improve after sitting or lying down, how quickly they begin, and whether your heart feels unusually fast.

Rise slowly: sit at the edge of the bed before standing, and hold a stable surface if you feel unsteady. Rest somewhere cool and take regular sips of water; an oral rehydration drink may be useful after substantial fluid loss. Avoid driving, climbing, or exercising while symptoms are active. Do not change prescribed blood-pressure medicine without advice. Write down recent illness, vomiting or diarrhoea, heat exposure, food and fluid intake, and the timing of each episode. A clinician can check blood pressure while lying and standing and review medicines.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, or new vision loss. Seek prompt care if you cannot keep fluids down, are barely passing urine, or remain dizzy even when lying down. Arrange a medical appointment when the symptom is new, frequent, worsening, or associated with palpitations, falls, or persistent vomiting.

Ask whether your blood pressure, medicines, hydration, blood count, or heart rhythm should be checked. Tell the clinician how long the sensation lasts, whether lying down relieves it, and whether headache, nausea, faintness, or vision change accompanies it.