When I Stand Up My Head Starts Pounding?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A throbbing upon standing could be due to a rare condition known as a

low pressure headache

. This is also referred to as spontaneous intracranial hypotension or SIH. It occurs in only 1 in 50,000 people. This type of headache worsens if you stand up and improves if you lie down.

What causes pressure in head when standing up?


Low fluid volume in

your body can cause a drop in your blood pressure when you stand up. Severe anemia or blood loss. When your blood volume is low, blood flow to the brain is diminished, and the headaches are worse when you stand up.

Why does my head throb for a few seconds when I stand up?

Head rushes are caused

by a rapid drop in your blood pressure when you stand up

. They usually cause dizziness that lasts from a couple seconds to a couple minutes. A head rush may also cause temporary lightheadedness, blurred vision, and confusion. Most people experience occasional head rushes.

What type of headache do Covid patients have?

In some patients, the severe headache of COVID-19 only lasts a few days, while in others, it can last up to months. It is presenting mostly as a

whole-head, severe-pressure pain

. It's different than migraine, which by definition is unilateral throbbing with sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea.

How do you get rid of headaches when you stand up?

First, since CSF normally surrounds the spinal cord in ample amounts, standing or sitting up when you have a

leak

can cause further loss of volume of CSF, resulting in a headache. Lying in a flat position can help to keep more CSF in place surrounding the spinal cord, which is why it eases the pain.

How do you get rid of pressure in your head?

  1. Try a Cold Pack. If you have a migraine, place a cold pack on your forehead. …
  2. Use a Heating Pad or Hot Compress. …
  3. Ease Pressure on Your Scalp or Head. …
  4. Dim the Lights. …
  5. Try Not to Chew. …
  6. Hydrate. …
  7. Get Some Caffeine.

What does a low pressure headache feel like?

Low-pressure headaches are

intense

. They occur when people sit or stand and may be relieved by lying flat. People usually also have a stiff, painful neck and nausea and may vomit.

How do you fix orthostatic hypotension?

Orthostatic hypotension treatments include:

Lifestyle changes

. Your doctor may suggest several lifestyle changes, including drinking enough water; drinking little to no alcohol; avoiding overheating; elevating the head of your bed; avoiding crossing your legs when sitting; and standing up slowly.

Can anxiety cause head rushes?

Common physical symptoms of anxiety can include rapid heartbeat, insomnia, increased or heavy sweating, muscle twitching, and lethargy. Another common symptom for people who struggle with anxiety is

pressure in your

head, or headaches, or what some describe as their head feeling heavy.

What are head rushes symptoms of?

It's not uncommon to experience an occasional “head rush” — brief dizziness or lightheadedness — upon standing up. But if these symptoms occur regularly, you could have postural hypotension. Also known as orthostatic hypotension, the condition is a form of low blood pressure.

What does a pounding headache mean?

Many things trigger

migraines

, including stress, loud noises, certain foods, or changes in the weather. This type of headache causes throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side of your head. A migraine usually starts slowly, then ramps up and causes throbbing or pulsing pain.

How long does a Covid headache last?

When does a headache happen in COVID-19? Headache tends to come on at the very start of the illness, and usually lasts for an average

of three to five days

.

What is the most frequent type of headache?


Tension headaches

are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are thought to play a role, as are genetics and environment. Symptoms usually include moderate pain on or around both sides of the head, and/or pain in the back of the head and neck.

Does laying down make migraines worse?

Leaning over, sudden movement, or exercising may make the headache worse. Physical activity does not make headache worse.

Lying down makes it worse

.

Is a low pressure headache an emergency?

People who experience low blood pressure symptoms for the first time should check in with a doctor who can diagnose any underlying issues. Sometimes, extremely low blood pressure can be a

medical emergency

, as it could prevent the organs from getting enough oxygen. If this occurs, the body could go into shock.

What does a high blood pressure headache feel like?

What are the symptoms of Hypertension Headache? Headaches associated with Hypertension are often describes as; ‘

pulsating and throbbing

‘ and will often occur in the morning.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.