Why Do I Feel Dizzy When Standing Up But Fine When Lying Down?

Our bodies are extremely complex. If you feel dizzy when standing up, but the symptoms ease once you lie down, it is likely caused by cerebral ischemia or hypoxia. This situation may be due to hypotension, which is a disease of neurofunctional disorder. When we stand, our blood pressure tends to be lower, and it rises when we lie down. Therefore, standing up may cause insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in symptoms of dizziness. Common causes of dizziness include:

1. Nervous system disorders

Such as cerebral ischemia, cerebellar lesions, brain lesions, brain trauma, and certain types of epilepsy. Additionally, patients with vegetative nerve dysfunction and certain neuroses often experience dizziness.

2. Ear diseases

Diseases within the ear that affect balance can cause dizziness.

3. Internal medicine conditions

Including hypertension, hypotension, various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, anemia, infection, poisoning, hypoglycemia, etc.

4. Cold

Sometimes, colds may be accompanied by symptoms of dizziness.

5. Cervical spine degeneration

Due to poor posture or sleeping habits for an extended period, the cervical spine may undergo hyperplasia, deformation, and degeneration. This can lead to tightened neck muscles and obstructed arterial blood supply, causing insufficient blood supply to the brain and resulting in dizziness. Common symptoms include tightness in the neck, limited flexibility, occasional pain, numbness and coldness in the scalp and fingers, shoulder pain, a sense of heaviness, and even symptoms such as nausea and palpitations.

6. Anemia

If dizziness is accompanied by fatigue and pallor, anemia should be considered. Patients with digestive disorders, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, and chronic inflammatory diseases may develop secondary anemia.

Treatment Principles

Treating dizziness should start from addressing the underlying cause and involve comprehensive therapy including physical, dietary, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. It is important to check for orthostatic hypotension, inquire about a history of hypertension or hypoglycemia, and advise the patient to lie down and measure vital signs every 15 minutes with intravenous fluid replacement. Medication may be prescribed if necessary. In cases of excessive ventilation, patients should be instructed to cover their noses with their hands or use a bag to breathe. If dizziness occurs while standing, the patient should be advised to lie down and rest before standing up slowly. Patients with carotid hypersensitivity should avoid wearing clothing that restricts neck movement. Patients with transient ischemic attacks or basilar artery insufficiency should turn their heads slowly and undergo standard treatment actively.