What causes dizziness or blacking out when standing up, and what should be done about it?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, the main causes of dizziness or blacking out upon standing include orthostatic hypotension, excessive fatigue, as well as conditions such as anemia, low blood sugar, and cervical spondylosis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular作息, avoid overexertion, eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition, and rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent orthostatic hypotension.
Generally, the main causes of blacking out upon standing include orthostatic hypotension, excessive fatigue, anemia, hypoglycemia, cervical spondylosis, and others. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Orthostatic Hypotension
When standing up suddenly, gravity causes blood to flow downward to the lower limbs. If blood pressure regulation lags, temporary insufficient blood supply to the brain may occur, leading to vision darkening, often accompanied by dizziness. To prevent this, rise slowly—sit up first and wait 30 seconds before standing. Avoid abruptly getting up after prolonged squatting or lying down. Regular exercise can also improve vascular regulatory function.
2. Excessive Fatigue
Chronic sleep deprivation and excessive physical exertion can reduce overall bodily function and weaken cardiovascular regulation, making cerebral hypoperfusion more likely when standing, resulting in transient visual darkening. Ensure 7–8 hours of sleep daily, avoid overexertion, schedule rest appropriately, and consume a diet rich in protein and vitamins to improve physical condition.
3. Anemia
A reduction in peripheral red blood cells or hemoglobin decreases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to inadequate brain oxygenation. Symptoms worsen upon standing and may be accompanied by pallor and fatigue. Under medical guidance, iron supplements such as ferrous fumarate tablets, ferrous succinate tablets, or vitamin B12 tablets may be taken. Include iron-rich foods like lean meat and spinach in the diet to promote hemoglobin synthesis.
4. Hypoglycemia
In a fasting state or after insufficient food intake, low blood glucose levels lead to inadequate energy supply to the brain, causing visual darkening when standing, often accompanied by palpitations and cold sweats. Promptly consume sugary foods such as candy or biscuits. After symptoms subside, maintain regular meals and avoid prolonged fasting. For frequent episodes, medications such as glucose injection, glucagon injection, or acarbose tablets may be used under medical supervision.
5. Cervical Spondylosis
Herniated cervical discs may compress the vertebral artery, impairing cerebral blood flow. Changes in neck position during standing can exacerbate this compression, causing visual darkening, along with neck and shoulder pain and arm numbness. Under medical advice, medications such as Jingfukang granules, mecobalamin tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be prescribed. In severe cases, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery may be required. Avoid prolonged head-down postures and perform appropriate neck exercises regularly.
In daily life, maintain a regular routine and avoid overexertion; eat a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition; rise slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension; undergo regular health check-ups to detect conditions like anemia or cervical spondylosis early; and if frequent visual darkening occurs, avoid engaging in hazardous activities alone to prevent falls.
