What Causes Lightheadedness Especially When Moving Around Or Bending?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past couple of days I have been experiencing lightheadedness, especially when moving around or bending over. I have also had spells of hot flashes and muscle weakness. I am fine when sitting still.

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Vertigo and orthostatic hypotension

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for using HCM.

The lightheadedness that you experience while moving around or bending could due to vertigo or orthostatic hypotension.

Vertigo could be as a result of conditions like benign positional vertigo, inner ear problem like Meniere's disease or nerve problem like acoustic neuroma.

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition in which there is a drop in blood pressure when there is a change in posture. This could occur when you are dehydrated, when you have problems with heart , hormones or nervous system.

Hot flashes and muscle wekaness are common in post menopausal women.

You can discuss with your physician about these possibilities and get tests done.

I hope that answers your question.

With kind regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D