Sudden Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Help

Sudden temporary dizziness?

Doctor, I apologize for bothering you at night.
I would like to ask you some questions.
This morning, when I got up, I was lying down using my phone.
After my family called me, I suddenly stood up and felt dizzy with a blurred vision for about 3-5 seconds, and then it went away.
I'm not sure if this is related to the fact that I stayed up late last night and only got less than 5 hours of sleep, or if it's similar to times in the past when I occasionally felt dizzy after squatting and then standing up.
I consulted an ENT specialist who said it was related to posture and that there was no major issue.
Although I currently have no symptoms, I would like to know if I should get further tests, such as a CT scan.

Ming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/01

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, the phenomenon you described is known as "orthostatic hypotension." It occurs when there is a sudden change in posture, such as sitting up quickly from a lying position or standing up quickly from a sitting position.
This happens because the cardiovascular response is slower, leading to temporary low blood pressure, which can cause brief episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness.
This is especially likely to occur when the body is in poor condition or dehydrated.
It is advisable to maintain a regular routine, exercise, and drink plenty of water.
When changing positions, such as moving from lying to sitting or from sitting to standing, do so slowly.
If this continues to occur and causes significant distress, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/10/01

More Info

Sudden dizziness, especially when it occurs upon standing after lying down or sitting for a prolonged period, can be concerning but is often benign. In your case, the dizziness you experienced after standing up could be attributed to a phenomenon known as orthostatic hypotension, which is a temporary drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up too quickly. This condition can be exacerbated by factors such as dehydration, lack of sleep, or even prolonged periods of inactivity, which can lead to a decrease in blood volume or changes in blood circulation.

Given that you mentioned you had a poor night's sleep and were lying down for an extended period while using your phone, it is plausible that these factors contributed to your dizziness. The fact that the dizziness lasted only a few seconds and resolved quickly is reassuring. However, if you have experienced similar episodes frequently or if the dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms such as fainting, severe headaches, visual disturbances, or difficulty speaking, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation.

In general, when to seek help for dizziness includes the following scenarios:
1. Persistent Symptoms: If the dizziness does not resolve quickly or if it recurs frequently.

2. Associated Symptoms: If you experience other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or neurological symptoms (like weakness or numbness).

3. Impact on Daily Life: If dizziness interferes with your ability to perform daily activities or increases your risk of falls.

As for diagnostic tests, a CT scan is not typically the first-line investigation for dizziness unless there are specific neurological concerns or other alarming symptoms. Instead, your healthcare provider may recommend a thorough clinical evaluation, which could include:
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: To check for orthostatic hypotension.

- Blood Tests: To assess for anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or other metabolic issues.

- Neurological Examination: To rule out any central nervous system causes.

- Vestibular Testing: If there is suspicion of inner ear issues contributing to dizziness.

In your case, since an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist has already evaluated you and suggested that your symptoms are likely positional, it may not be necessary to pursue further imaging unless your symptoms change or worsen. It’s always best to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any new or recurring symptoms.

In conclusion, while your recent episode of dizziness may be related to benign factors such as posture and fatigue, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If you experience any concerning changes or if the dizziness becomes more frequent, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate sleep, and moving slowly when changing positions can help mitigate future episodes.

Similar Q&A

Sudden Dizziness and Weakness: When to Seek Neurological Help

I experience sudden dizziness followed by a loss of consciousness for about 1 to 2 seconds, during which my body feels weak and limp. I have high blood pressure that is being managed with medication. This can happen while driving or even when watching TV at home, and there is no ...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Bobo, it is essential to identify the cause of these symptoms to prevent any danger while driving. Please seek immediate consultation with a cardiologist or a neurologist. Best regards, Lan Shengxing.

Understanding Sudden Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention

In the past two years, there have been 2-3 episodes of sudden dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a sensation of cold sweats and shaking, feeling like I might faint, but resting helps. At most, there is just a little discomfort. A few days ago, it happened again, and one epi...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Abby: The symptoms you described may represent a series of physiological responses from the autonomic nervous system. There are many potential causes for dizziness; if classified by systems, they may include the nervous system, cardiovascular system, hematologic system, ...

Possible Causes of Frequent Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello Doctor: I frequently experience intermittent episodes of dizziness every day. My dizziness usually occurs under the following circumstances: (1) For example, when I receive certain stimuli (such as during an ENT examination when medication is sprayed in my throat and I coug...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello: The causes of sudden dizziness may include a decrease in peripheral vascular tone due to neural reflexes, leading to blood pooling in peripheral tissues and insufficient blood flow to the brain. Alternatively, it could be related to blood issues such as hypotension or hypo...

Understanding Sudden Dizziness: Symptoms and Possible Causes

Hello, Dr. Hsu. This morning, my father suddenly experienced dizziness. He feels very uncomfortable with even slight head movements, and when he opens his eyes to look at things, everything seems to be spinning. He feels a bit better when he closes his eyes and remains still. He ...

Dr. Xu Jiazhen reply Otolaryngology
Hello, Ms. Li. Dizziness not only causes discomfort for patients but is also an important clinical manifestation associated with many diseases. Typically, a physical examination is conducted first to rule out other significant acute conditions, such as a stroke. Further investiga...