HomeAnswersNeurologyhypotension.Why do I feel pressure in the body with headache while standing?

What causes pressure in the body with headache while standing?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At May 13, 2019
Reviewed AtSeptember 19, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Over the last few days, I have a problem with standing without feeling dizzy. I feel that while I am standing or sitting on a hard surface, that I am in an elevator or a boat. Sometimes it happens when I lay down too. I also feel that there is like a pressure or a wave inside my body that directs the way I feel dizzy. Sometimes I feel it in my legs and sometimes I feel it goes up to my head. I can literally feel it and feel how it is dropping from my head to the body. Every time I feel I will faint, however that has not happened yet, probably because I lay down straight away as soon as it happens. I have panic disorder and sometimes when I feel this I get anxious as I am scared that it may be something serious. Occasionally, I have a slight headache but is not severe at all. A few days ago, I tried smelling lavender and chamomile oil, which is something new to me and I do not know if it has anything to do with this dizziness. I also have dry mouth most days recently too. It has started controlling me as I always need to hold the door or the wall in order not to fall down. I saw my general practitioner (GP). He asked me to close my eyes tight. I was going to fall down if he did not hold me while I was standing. Please note that I used to feel like the floor is moving up and down at night before I sleep. However, now it has increased to the stage where I feel it since I wake up till the moment I sleep even if I am lying down sometimes. The more I am awake, the more I feel it. Finally, when I come to sleep. As soon as I close my eyes, I imagine spinning even though I know the room is not moving as well as sometimes pain is in one side of the head. Your advice would be appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I passed carefully through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to orthostatic hypotension or thyroid gland dysfunction. Anxiety can mimic this clinical situation too. Coming to this point, I would recommend performing some tests: 1. Complete blood count for anemia. 2. Thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction. 3. Blood electrolytes for possible imbalances. 4. Vitamin B12 and vitamin D plasma levels for a possible deficiency. A head-up tilt test would help investigate for possible orthostatic hypotension. You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests. If all the above tests result normal you should consider anxiety as the main cause underlying your complaints.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Neurology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

anxietyhypotension.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Neurology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy