Orthostatic Hypotension: Dizziness, Lightheadedness and Blood Pressure Drops When Standing Up

Diagnosis and Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension at Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf

Many people occasionally feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up quickly. In orthostatic hypotension, however, blood pressure falls more than normal when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. As a result, the brain temporarily receives less blood flow, which can lead to dizziness, unsteadiness, blurred vision, or even fainting.

Orthostatic hypotension is particularly common in patients with autonomic nervous system disorders, Parkinson’s disease, autonomic neuropathies, and other conditions affecting blood pressure regulation.

Common Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension

Typical symptoms include:

• Dizziness when standing up
• Lightheadedness
• Blurred vision or blacking out of vision
• Unsteadiness while walking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of falls
• Near-fainting episodes
• Fainting (syncope)

Symptoms typically occur after standing up from a sitting or lying position and may worsen during hot weather, physical exertion, dehydration, or prolonged standing.

Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension can have a variety of underlying causes, including:

• Disorders of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia)
• Parkinson’s disease and related disorders
• Autonomic neuropathies
• Medication side effects
• Dehydration
• Diabetes mellitus
• Long COVID
• Post-COVID dysautonomia

Because orthostatic hypotension is often a symptom of an underlying neurological or autonomic disorder, identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Orthostatic Hypotension

At Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf, we perform specialized evaluations of blood pressure regulation, heart rate responses, and autonomic nervous system function.

Our diagnostic approach helps determine whether symptoms are caused by orthostatic hypotension, autonomic dysfunction, dysautonomia, or other neurological conditions affecting cardiovascular regulation.

Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Measures to improve blood pressure regulation
• Optimization of fluid and salt intake
• Physical counter-pressure maneuvers
• Lifestyle modifications
• Compression garments when appropriate
• Medication adjustments
• Targeted medical therapies

Our goal is to reduce symptoms, prevent falls and fainting episodes, and improve safety, independence, and quality of life.

Expertise in Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

Neuro Praxis Düsseldorf specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of:

• Orthostatic hypotension
• Dysautonomia
• Autonomic nervous system disorders
• Vasovagal syncope
• Neurocardiogenic syncope
• Parkinson-related autonomic dysfunction
• Long COVID and post-COVID autonomic disorders

We provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment for patients experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, blood pressure regulation problems, and recurrent fainting episodes.