Feeling Dizzy upon getting up.....

[tom28000]

I am male age 66.  I have not had any major illinesses in my life.  I do have high blood pressure that is controlled with medication.  My BP under control at 116/76.
   I now have a problem that I am worroried about......When I lay down in bed at night, I feel dizzy (or light headed) for a few second.  Also when I get up in the morning I feel the same way for a few seconds.  I find that if I lay on my right side for a few minutes before getting up, I do not get the sensation.
To give you background information... I have had two severe bouts of Virtigo.  The last one was 3 years ago and lasted for about a month.  I went to emergency and had CT scan etc and was told it was Virtigo.  What I am getting now only lasts a few seconds and is only when I go to bed and get up from bed... no other time.
Since I am a worry wart. I am wondering if this is something more serious. ????
.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

It could be due to postural hypotension, where in upon standing blood pooling occurs in the legs and the brain is deprived of adequate blood supply and oxygenation.  This is more common in the elderly and in people with diabetes mellitus. Inadequate sleep can also cause tiredness, fatigue and dizziness. It could also be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which with movement of the head the person is likely to get dizziness. This happens because of a disorder of the labyrinth system in the inner ear. It can get affected due to head injuries, surgeries, nerve inflammations and as a side effect to medications. So, don't worry and discuss these options with your doctor.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[hgower]

My hubby had he same prblem ended up been a inner ear infection but for him his head was spinning when on one side and when he moved to the other side he was OK.
I dont have any answers but just hoping that you ar ok and what happened toyour symptoms, keep us posted, about yur outcome someone might find it helpful

[Nancy T]

Whoops, I wrote it wrong--it's benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Also, note that vertigo is a SYMPTOM, not a disease or condition in itself. "Vertigo" is NOT a diagnosis, it's just a description of what you're feeling.

[Nancy T]

P.S. Don't worry, BPPV is just what it says--BENIGN, and common especially in older adults.

[Nancy T]

Please Google "BPPV" (it stands for benign positional paroxysmal vertigo") and see if it matches your symptoms. I suspect that might be what you have. It's easily treated by a vestibular physical therapist, or if you're lucky your GP will know how to do the Epley maneuver on you. Or... if you have no neck problems, you could even try it at home on yourself. But given your age, it's probably safer to have a doctor or physical therapist do it, at least the first time.