Dizziness And Fainting / Question
Published: February 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Whenever I am sitting on a chair, or on the ground, and I stand up, I get dizzy, and everything goes black. Is this normal? Or what is wrong with me
Signed: Dizzy When I Stand Up
Dear Dizzy When I Stand Up,
Unfortunately, TeenHealthFX cannot make diagnoses over the Internet, so only a doctor can tell you if what you are experiencing is "normal." Rest assured, however, that many people experience dizziness, faintness or light-headedness when they stand up- this is called postural hypotension (low blood pressure), and is due to a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Usually, this is not a problem, as long as it occurs occasionally, and is often treated with the simple advice of "get up more slowly." However, anyone who experiences dizziness when standing up all of the time should get a thorough history and physical examination by a physician, and other tests as needed to determine what might be causing the problem. Then appropriate treatment can be given if necessary.
If you are dizzy and blacking out every time you stand up, you should definitely make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you do not have a doctor and you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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