What Causes Sudden Dizziness With Vertigo?

Posted on Sat, 4 Mar 2017

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

Sat, 4 Mar 2017 Answered on

Mon, 3 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has experienced sudden dizziness with vertigo. He has also vomited. He has been resting flat and feels better until he stands up and the dizziness returns. He is 64 yrs old, and has type 2 diabetes that he takes medication for. Should I take him into the ER?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ER visit might help him...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Sudden onset dizziness upon standing seems like postural hypotension / orthostatic hypotension to me. Here, a sudden drop in blood pressure occurs as he stands resulting in dizziness. Usually postural hypotension is related to autonomic dysfunction which in turn is caused by long standing diabetes +/- high blood pressure.

Postural hypotension is rarely dangerous. However considering his age, severity of symptoms and the episode of vomiting, I will encourage you to take him to ER. His vitals including blood pressure recording as well as EKG / Echo might be necessary.

In a nutshell, ER visit will be good for him.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar