Dizziness- From Sudden or Prolonged Standing

Dizziness causes a person to feel feel light-headed or like they might faint.

• This type of dizziness can come from standing in the same position for a long period of time.

• This type of dizziness can come from needing to stand up suddenly.

  • Standing up suddenly is the most common cause of dizziness.

This is a condition that can be normal for children to experience as they grow.

• This occurs in about 1 in every 20 children.

• Most children will out grow this.

• Rarely is this a sign of something more serious.

  

When a person needs to stand up suddenly, it is harder for the blood to make it to the brain.

• Since the brain always needs oxygen (from blood flow), your child may tell you they feel dizzy if the blood has not made it to the brain fast enough as they stand up.  

• The dizziness if more likely to happen when they stand up suddenly after laying down, but can happen with sudden standing after sitting.

• Examples of when your child might feel dizzy from sudden standing would be:  

  • Getting up in the morning or after a nap.

  • School activities that require standing after sitting for awhile.

  • Activities where instructions are given and your child is seated and then asked to go play.

When your child has been standing for a long period of time, they may lock their knees or remain still which makes it harder for the blood to make it up to the brain.  

• When your child unlocks their knees, blood can move easier from the bottom of their body back up to the brain.

• When they move, the muscles contract and work to get blood back up to the brain.

• Examples of when your child might feel dizzy from prolonged standing would be:  

  • While standing at ceremonies, church, or when watching parades.

  • In “standing room” only sections of events.

  • During marching band practice or performances.

Anytime your child is dehydrated, ill or has not had enough to eat, dizziness can happen due to sudden or prolonged standing.

It can happen if your child is on certain medications, such as for diabetes or heart conditions.

This can also happen if your child has not been eating, sleeping, or drinking enough.

Less commonly, this is a sign of a more serious illness for your child.

Your child may complain they feel dizzy or lightheaded.

They may grasp their head because it may feel like it is spinning.

They may say they feel wobbly, or look unsteady.

They may look for something to hold onto to regain balance.

They may say their vision is blurry or looks funny.

Their thoughts may seem jumbled or confusing.

Your child may feel nauseated or vomit.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider will ask you and your child a number of questions.

• They may ask you what medications and supplements your child is taking.

Your child’s primary healthcare provider will examine your child.

They may check your child’s blood pressure and heart rate in different positions.

They may check some labs in the office like glucose, hemoglobin (to check for anemia), or a urine test.

If your child’s healthcare provider has any further concerns, they may want your child to go to a lab for more extensive blood work.

Usually the diagnosis can be made by talking to you and your child and examining your child.

If your child’s primary healthcare provider has any other concerns, they may refer your child to a specialist.

Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids.

• During summer or warmer days, make sure your child drinks even more.

• Electrolyte drinks may be helpful.

Make sure they are eating well-balanced meals.

• Adding salty snacks may be helpful.

When you know your child will need to stand for an extended period of time, make sure they know how to stand without locking their knees.

• Have them move their legs from time to time.

• It doesn’t have to be a big movement, especially if they are taking part in an activity where they should be as still as possible.

• Teach them how to tighten and release their muscles.

Remind them to take their time when standing up and avoid rushing to get up.

• The best option is to slowly sit up, then your child can prop some pillows behind their head.

• Then rise to a standing position after they have been sitting for a bit.

Make sure your child is getting enough sleep at night.

If your child is dehydrated, give them fluids.

• Helpful choices include water and electrolytes.

• Cold fluids may be more helpful on hot days.

If they are in the sun, move them to a shady area.

If your child is hungry or has skipped a meal, give them a salty snack as long as they don’t feel nausea.

• Helpful choices include pretzels, crackers, pickles, and popcorn.

Have them rest until the dizziness has passed.

• Having your child lay down is usually best.

• Have your child bend their knees if able, or elevate their feet.

• Your child should improve within an hour of resting.

Placing cool compresses on their body, especially their chest, back of the neck, forehead, and on the wrists can help with the dizziness as well.

Your child passes out (faints).

Your child is not improving or getting worse.

Your child is having episodes of dizziness.

You have any other questions or concerns.

You think your child needs to be seen.