Decrease font size
Default font size
Increase font size
May 25, 2012
 

Dizziness and reduced vision when standing

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am an overweight, non-smoking, 44 year old male. Recently, I have extreme dizziness, reduced vision, and a pounding sound in my ears when I stand from sitting for any length of time. It seems to be getting worse. I currently cannot afford a doctor visit and am worried about this condition. Any ideas? Thank You!

Dear Rob: You seem to have what is called, orthostatic or postural hypotension. It occurs due to pooling of  venous blood into the lower limbs due to gravity, with any change of position and a simultaneous, temporary reduction in perfusion of the brain. You need to make slow and careful changes in the position and may use compressive stockings to reduce the pooling of blood associated with position changes. You may want to avoid vigorous exercise and hot environments to prevent these symptoms, try to have small frequent meals and keep your head slightly raised using pillows, compared to the rest of your body.

You seem to have what is called, orthostatic or postural hypotension. It occurs due to pooling of  venous blood into the lower limbs due to gravity, with any change of position and a simultaneous, temporary reduction in perfusion of the brain. You need to make slow and careful changes in the position and may use compressive stockings to reduce the pooling of blood associated with position changes. You may want to avoid vigorous exercise and hot environments to prevent these symptoms, try to have small frequent meals and keep your head slightly raised using pillows, compared to the rest of your body.

 

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 April 2011 )
 

Related Articles

Anal itching and Dizziness

Shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness after being hit by a car days ago

Feeling dizzy when I wake up in the morning

Dizziness and Ear Pain when lying down

Dizziness and vertigo episodes getting worse

Food Poisoning - Can a home-canned product cause dizziness?

Feeling dizziness, off balance and light-headed: Possible Labyrinthitis.

I get dizzy when I laugh, do I need to see a doctor?

Dizziness and throwing up after exercise

Ongoing Dizziness After Getting Up

Dizziness when cracking the back

Dizziness when standing after sitting for an extended perion

Warfarin transfer over to asprin

Side effects of Diatabs (loperimide)

Dizziness after Ear Infection and sore throat

Dizzyness and fast heart rate, what could be the cause?

Why am i feeling light headed when i lay on my left side and not my right side?

Why do i feel dizzy when I suddenly stand?

Dizziness, tiredness, headaches, neck pain

Dizziness and vision problems when standing up

Dizziness and what can cause it?

Feeling faint during operations

Dizzyness and Numbness Postpartum

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Betahistine

Imbalance, foggy, dizzy feeling in my head

Dizziness, Palpitations, Nausea & Vomitting

Common Causes of Headaches and Dizziness

Shortness of breath

Passing out waking up covered in vomit

Would steroids help reduce some of the symptoms caused by a Meningioma?

Dizziness that is worse when leaning to one side

Carotid artery blockage and the risk of flying

Dizziness When Bending Down

Worried about constant dizziness and light headedness

Dizziness getting worse with age

Dizzy spells

Daily blood pressure fluctuations

Dizziness and Masturbation

Tetanus Shot

Dizziness and head pressure

Low Blood Pressure causing dizziness

Normal and below average blood pressure readings

Causes of dizziness

Dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Dizzy spells and fainting in 23 year old

Is This a Symptom of High Blood Pressure?

Dizziness and Fainting in Young Mother

About us | Follow us | Contact us | Advertising | Careers | Terms of Service | Site Map