Lightheadedness on standing
Feeling faint or having darkened vision on standing may relate to blood pressure, dehydration, medicines or another condition. It differs from some inner-ear causes of dizziness.
What to know first
Feeling faint, darkened vision or weakness when getting up.
When to see a clinician
Seek advice for repeated episodes, near-fainting or effects on daily life. Tell us about bleeding, reduced eating or drinking, and recent medicine changes.
Lightheadedness, positional vertigo and persistent dizziness
Brief dimming of vision after standing may relate to blood pressure, dehydration, anaemia or medication. Brief spinning with turning in bed can occur in BPPV, which usually does not cause hearing loss. Persistent dizziness or symptoms at rest have several possible causes. The description alone cannot establish a diagnosis.
See ENT for hearing changes, tinnitus or positional spinning. Internal medicine can assess faintness with standing, palpitations or breathlessness; children may also need paediatric assessment. Fainting, chest pain, severe headache, weakness or speech difficulty require urgent medical evaluation.
Read more about dizziness and unsteadiness.
Possible causes
Blood pressure changes, reduced fluid intake, medication effects, bleeding and other medical causes are possible.
Examination and tests
We review the pattern and relevant medical history. Blood pressure or other investigations and referral may be needed.
Tests are selected according to your symptoms and examination. Specialist tests or procedures may require referral.
Treatment
Treatment addresses the cause and may include reviewing medicines or an underlying condition. Not all lightheadedness responds to ear-related treatment.
These are general treatment options. Your clinician will discuss which approach fits your condition; not every treatment described is provided at this clinic.
What you can do at home
Get up slowly and sit or lie down safely if symptoms begin. Discuss fluid intake if you have a condition requiring fluid restriction.
Frequently asked questions
Is this always an ear problem?
No. Blood pressure and general medical causes must also be considered.
What should I tell the clinician?
Tell us when symptoms began, whether they are changing, your medicines and allergies, and any relevant medical conditions. For a child, describe changes in feeding, sleep or response to sound.
Related symptoms and conditions
Visiting Honda ENT Clinic
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|---|---|---|
| Mon / Tue / Wed / Fri | 9:00–12:30 | 15:00–18:20 |
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| Closed | Thursday, Sunday and public holidays | |
Reception opens 15 minutes before each session. Walk-ins are welcome for general consultations. Vaccinations may require an appointment.
Please call before visiting if you have a fever of 37.5°C or higher, a recent positive infection test, a household member with an infection, or would like infection testing. The waiting-time service is in Japanese.
Schedules can change. Check clinic news or call before travelling.
About this information and references
This information is published by Honda ENT Clinic and is intended as general guidance. Individual diagnosis and treatment require a clinical assessment. Updated: 15 October 2026.
About Medical Director Dr. Yusuke Honda