Dizziness When Standing After Sitting: Causes and Concerns

Feeling dizzy when standing up after sitting for a while?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, when I sit back in a chair (or lie down to watch something) and then stand up, I often experience a moment of dizziness and my vision goes black, but the symptoms disappear quickly.
I used to have this issue as well, but it seems to happen more easily now.
I would like to ask what might be causing this problem.

Additionally, about three years ago, I slipped and hit the back of my head, resulting in a large bump.
At the time, I didn't experience nausea or vomiting, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, I'm wondering if that bump will ever completely go away.
To this day, I can still feel a small protrusion when I touch it, and sometimes I experience sudden pain in that area, although it doesn't last long.
I'm curious if it's normal for that swollen area to not fully disappear.

Ping, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/02

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine

It sounds like you may be experiencing orthostatic hypotension.
You can prepare a blood pressure monitor at home and measure your blood pressure while lying down; then, measure it again after suddenly standing up or sitting.
If the systolic pressure drops by 15 mmHg, it could indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Additionally, women often have lower blood pressure, sometimes with systolic readings in the 80s or 90s, which may lead to dizziness.

Furthermore, women frequently experience anemia (especially during menstruation), which can also cause dizziness.
It is advisable to have blood tests done at a family medicine or internal medicine clinic.

The small protrusion you mentioned may not necessarily be a swollen lump; it could be a normal occipital bone prominence, and it would be best to have a physician examine it.

The same issue has been addressed previously, as referenced in #125004.
Wishing you good health, Dr.
Chen Tai-Cheng from the Family Medicine Department of Taoyuan Hospital is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2017/07/02

More Info

Dizziness upon standing after sitting or lying down is a common phenomenon known as orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. The symptoms you describe—feeling dizzy and experiencing a temporary blackout—are consistent with this condition. It can happen when the body is unable to quickly adjust blood flow and blood pressure in response to the change in position. Factors that can contribute to orthostatic hypotension include dehydration, prolonged bed rest, certain medications (like diuretics or blood pressure medications), and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems.

Given that you mentioned this has been a recurring issue, it may be beneficial to monitor your hydration levels and consider whether any medications you are taking could be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, if you have been experiencing increased frequency or severity of these episodes, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend tests to assess your blood pressure in different positions or check for other underlying conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Regarding the bump on the back of your head from the fall three years ago, it is not uncommon for a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) to form after a head injury. While many of these bumps resolve over time, some may persist as a small, firm area due to scar tissue formation or residual swelling. The fact that you still feel a small bump and occasionally experience pain could be indicative of a few things, including residual tissue from the original injury or a small cyst. If the bump is painful or has changed in size or characteristics, it would be prudent to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to assess the area more thoroughly.

In summary, your dizziness upon standing could be related to orthostatic hypotension, and it is advisable to discuss this with a healthcare provider, especially if the symptoms have worsened. As for the bump on your head, while it may be benign, any persistent pain or changes warrant further investigation to rule out any complications from your previous injury. Always prioritize your health and seek medical advice when you have concerns about your symptoms.

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