Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Dizziness And Shaky Spells While Standing From A Lying Down Position?
Posted on
Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Answered on
Wed, 9 Sep 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : what might be possible cause of the following symptoms? 56 year female gets dizzy and has fallen 3 times with injuries in past 2 months. Nothing shows up on MRI taken in last couple weeks. Often has weak spells getting shaky. Eyes look vacant during th..."
Brief Answer:
Needs further evaluation by examination and tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
Dizziness or shaky spells while getting up or standing from a lying down position or a condition is known as presyncope.
It means it follows dizziness,lightheadnes and temporary semi consciousnesses for a while without actual becoming unconscious.
Here,I would like to ask some questions regarding medical history of
1) previous disease
2) any recent or past surgery,
3) any past history of head injury (like in accident) or
4) is there any other symptoms like chest pain,palpitations,fatigue, blurring vision etc.
We will have to rule out causes from cardiac and non cardiac for which you will require detailed history, thoroughly clinical examination for heart like ECG,blood pressure measurements in different positions like supine,sitting and immediately after standing, echo cardiography of heart etc specially in persons who is above 50 years of age.
The possible causes could be,
Abnormalities in BP : Both high and low BP can cause dizziness.
Abnormalities in Blood sugars : Both high and low Blood sugars can cause dizziness.
Abnormalities in blood sodium levels.
Low Hemoglobin (Anaemia ),
Inner Ear problems .
or some serious problems,
Heart Problems or Brain problem
You will have to consult your physician first for thoroughly clinical assessment to detect the underlying cause.
The commonest causes could be orthostatic hypotension,dehydration,low blood sugar or vasovagal.
Hope i have explained it in a easy way to understand it and kindly get back to me with more information.
Regards,
Needs further evaluation by examination and tests.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,
Dizziness or shaky spells while getting up or standing from a lying down position or a condition is known as presyncope.
It means it follows dizziness,lightheadnes and temporary semi consciousnesses for a while without actual becoming unconscious.
Here,I would like to ask some questions regarding medical history of
1) previous disease
2) any recent or past surgery,
3) any past history of head injury (like in accident) or
4) is there any other symptoms like chest pain,palpitations,fatigue, blurring vision etc.
We will have to rule out causes from cardiac and non cardiac for which you will require detailed history, thoroughly clinical examination for heart like ECG,blood pressure measurements in different positions like supine,sitting and immediately after standing, echo cardiography of heart etc specially in persons who is above 50 years of age.
The possible causes could be,
Abnormalities in BP : Both high and low BP can cause dizziness.
Abnormalities in Blood sugars : Both high and low Blood sugars can cause dizziness.
Abnormalities in blood sodium levels.
Low Hemoglobin (Anaemia ),
Inner Ear problems .
or some serious problems,
Heart Problems or Brain problem
You will have to consult your physician first for thoroughly clinical assessment to detect the underlying cause.
The commonest causes could be orthostatic hypotension,dehydration,low blood sugar or vasovagal.
Hope i have explained it in a easy way to understand it and kindly get back to me with more information.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
