Why does the world go dark and my head feel dizzy when I stand up too quickly, and what should I do about it?

Sep 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, dizziness and blacking out upon standing up quickly may be related to conditions such as hypoglycemia, cardiac syncope, orthostatic hypotension, insufficient cerebral blood supply, or cerebral thrombosis, which require symptomatic treatment. If a patient has hypoglycemia, the body's glucose supply is insufficient, leading to dizziness when suddenly standing after prolonged squatting. In such cases, the patient can drink some glucose solution to replenish sugar, which usually provides rapid relief.

Generally, dizziness and darkening of vision upon standing up quickly may be related to conditions such as hypoglycemia, cardiac syncope, orthostatic hypotension, cerebral ischemia, or cerebral thrombosis, which require targeted treatment. Specific details are as follows:

1. Hypoglycemia

If a patient has hypoglycemia, insufficient blood glucose supply in the body can cause dizziness when suddenly standing up after prolonged squatting. In such cases, the patient can drink some glucose solution to replenish sugar, which usually provides rapid relief.

2. Cardiac Syncope

Standing up abruptly may trigger tachycardia, leading to cardiac syncope accompanied by brief episodes of vision darkening and fainting. Patients may be treated with medications such as lidocaine hydrochloride injection or propafenone hydrochloride injection under medical guidance.

3. Orthostatic Hypotension

Darkening of vision, dizziness, and unsteadiness upon sudden rising are mainly due to rapid and forceful movements, which can cause transient dizziness. It is recommended that patients use medications such as octreotide acetate injection or midodrine hydrochloride tablets according to medical advice.

4. Cerebral Ischemia

When a patient stands up too abruptly, it may lead to symptoms of cerebral ischemia, resulting in temporary vision darkening or brief fainting. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets or enteric-coated aspirin tablets for treatment.

5. Cerebral Thrombosis

In patients who lack physical activity or consume excessive alcohol, cerebral thrombosis may develop, causing episodes of vision darkening and brief fainting when standing up suddenly. It is recommended that patients receive treatment with medications such as recombinant human prourokinase for injection or recombinant streptokinase for injection, following medical instructions.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and undergo standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance to promote recovery.