What causes slight dizziness after standing up from a prolonged squat?

Feeling dizzy upon standing up after squatting for a prolonged period may be caused by hypoglycemia, orthostatic hypotension, or cerebral vascular stenosis.

1. Hypoglycemia

Dizziness upon standing after prolonged squatting may result from hypoglycemia. Glucose is the primary energy source for the brain; insufficient blood glucose levels impair cerebral energy supply and may thus cause the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, palpitations, and sweating.

2. Orthostatic Hypotension

During prolonged squatting, blood pools in the lower extremities. Upon sudden standing, peripheral tissues and vessels rapidly shift upward, while blood flow fails to keep pace with this positional change—leading to transient cerebral hypoperfusion and consequently orthostatic hypotension.

3. Cerebral Vascular Stenosis

Cerebral vascular stenosis can also cause dizziness upon standing after prolonged squatting. This condition commonly arises from cerebral arteriosclerosis or cerebral infarction, though symptoms are typically transient. Patients may concurrently experience limb weakness or numbness; in severe cases, paralysis may occur.