Circulatory Dizziness, Orthostatic Hypotension and Fainting Prevention

Diagnosis and Treatment of Dizziness at Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf

Dizziness, lightheadedness when standing, and fainting episodes are common symptoms that can significantly affect daily life. While dizziness may have many different causes, circulatory disorders and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system are among the most common reasons for recurrent symptoms.

Many patients experience dizziness primarily when standing up, after prolonged standing, during hot weather, or after physical exertion. These symptoms are often caused by orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which blood pressure drops excessively upon standing, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain.

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons for a neurological consultation. Symptoms can vary considerably and may be experienced as vertigo (a spinning sensation), imbalance, lightheadedness, unsteadiness while walking, or the feeling of being about to faint.

Common symptoms include:

• Lightheadedness when standing
• Dizziness and unsteadiness
• Blurred vision or blacking out of vision
• Weakness and fatigue
• Palpitations
• Near-fainting or fainting episodes (syncope)

Possible Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom that can have many different causes, including:

• Disorders of the inner ear and balance system (e.g., vestibular neuritis or Ménière’s disease)
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Head and neck injuries
• Circulatory regulation disorders and blood pressure fluctuations
• Migraine and vestibular migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke and other neurological disorders affecting the brain
• Disorders of the autonomic nervous system

Because the underlying causes can vary widely, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is essential. At Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf, we take the time to perform a detailed medical history and neurological examination in order to identify the cause of your symptoms as accurately as possible and recommend an individualized treatment plan.

Dizziness Caused by Circulatory Disorders

Many people experience dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, or a feeling of impending fainting due to circulatory disorders. These symptoms often occur when standing up, standing for prolonged periods, during hot weather, when dehydrated, or after physical exertion.

Such symptoms can significantly affect daily life and often cause concern for both patients and their families. While sitting or lying down usually provides rapid relief, this is not always possible or necessary.

In cases of circulation-related dizziness, simple immediate measures can often help stabilize blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain within just a few minutes. These measures include:

• Quickly drinking approximately 400–500 ml of water
• Tensing the leg and buttock muscles
• Crossing the legs while standing
• Squatting or sitting down
• Other so-called physical counter-maneuvers designed to stabilize circulation

Patients with orthostatic hypotension or other disorders of the autonomic nervous system often use these techniques successfully to prevent dizziness and impending fainting episodes.

Our Areas of Expertise

At Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf, we specialize in the diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal syncope, autonomic nervous system disorders, and other neurological causes of dizziness. Our goal is to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment strategy.