Episodic headaches are categorized among the most frequently reported complaints that might affect individuals of all ages. It is necessary to point out that a lot of cases of headache are not diagnosed and dealt with correctly. This is primarily since individuals generally have the tendency to ignore the seriousness of symptoms by neglecting the headache episodes altogether; while others use their own skills to handle the symptoms.
Headaches can be categorized in numerous classifications; with each type recommending a particular pathophysiology. Understanding specific symptoms of each type can assist in lowering the strength, seriousness and frequency of headaches. For instance, headache can be a nonspecific symptom of an impending cold or might take place after a strenuous and tiring day at work; however in some unusual cases it might also suggest a severe underling disease.
Why Would I Have Headache When Standing Up?
There are a number of clinical reasons that may describe headaches when standing up. The majority of frequently, the pain at the base of the skull is mainly credited to the extending of blood vessels as a result of receptor hyper-stimulation. The pain is sometimes also sensed in the meninges (which are delicate membranes) and are created to cover the brain matrix from sudden trauma or shock.
1. Postural Hypotension
In postural hypotension, likewise called orthostatic hypotension, the high blood pressure suddenly drops quickly upon standing up from sitting or lying posture. Blood pressure is the force with which heart pumps blood to the periphery and can be measured by the force experienced by the arterial wall. Professionals explain that the blood is pulled into the legs due to the effect of gravity in some prone people upon standing all of a sudden from a lying posture. This may lead to a drop in the high blood pressure. The supreme impact is, compromised reflexes and offsetting tachycardia (faster pumping action of heart to restore circulatory pressure by tightness of capillary). Postural hypotension can be due to intake of particular drugs or as a result of physiological aging.
Other symptoms of postural hypotension include dizziness and headache when standing. This condition could remain for few minutes after standing up. Some individuals might likewise experience episodes of faintness or loss of awareness.
2. High Blood Pressure Abnormalities
Circulatory conditions such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (hypertension) are very often presented with headaches and might include other symptoms like nausea and blurriness in vision. An abrupt change in position such as suddenly standing from sitting position can set off dizziness and visual problems due to hypotension. Similarly, a boost in the high blood pressure can presents with pounding headaches in addition to visual defects, vomiting, nausea and other symptoms.
3. Intracranial Hypotension
It is likewise known as “Pseudotumor cerebri” or “Benign Intracranial hypotension”. Individuals who experience intracranial hypotension establish headache due to an increase in the intracerebral pressure. The pathophysiology focuses on lessened resorption of cerebrospinal fluid in the intracranial space and resulting in an increase in the pressure. Particular symptoms consist of existence of papilledema with no sign of tumor or mass in the head.
Some symptoms that are seen in severe cases consist of blurring or dimming of vision (referred to as transient visual obscuration) that may remain for some seconds or as much as a minute (especially on standing). Other symptoms consist of visual field’s concentric constriction which is not determined by the patient due to unawareness; horizontal diplopia along with limitation of eyes sideway gaze caused by the displacement of brain and stretching of Abducens nerve due to high intracranial pressure.
4. Exertion Headaches
This is identified by throbbing headache when standing just after or during an energetic session of exercise that requires a great deal of strength. Exercises that might cause headaches include running, tennis, swimming, rowing, weight-lifting, etc. Exercise headaches are divided into two types by the experts.
- One is main effort headaches, where headaches are undisruptive and are not due to any underlying problem. Such cases are quickly treated with medications.
- While secondary exercise headaches are because of an underlying severe problem generally connected with brain. Some examples include internal brain bleeding, tumor or surrounding vascular problems like coronary or cerebral artery disease. These headaches are normally managed with emergency medical treatments.
5. Migraine
Migraine is a special kind of one-sided headache that is typically accompanied with other symptoms such as flashes of light, visual problems, numbness, tingling experience, nausea and vomiting. Migraine attacks are usually activated by stress and specific foods such as chocolates and cheese. As soon as you identify triggering factors, do your best to avoid them entirely. People prefer taking pain reliever including aspirin and paracetamol as soon as they feel headache when standing, without preventing triggers such as caffeine.
For avoidance and treatment, you can take anti-migraine tablets. In case of an ongoing attack of migraine, ensure to remain in a dark and calm place to prevent aggravation of headache.
6. Stress Headache
It is the most common variety of headaches. Stats suggest that countless people struggle with tension type headaches. A normal episode of stress headache is characterized by consistent feeling of a band of pressure around the head. People who struggle with tension headache likewise feel inflammation over the scalp. It is different from migraine as the victims does not feel nausea or hyper-sensitivity to bright light. In addition, tension type headaches are generally unforeseeable; some episodes may last for hours while other might take days and even weeks.
Tension headache can be caused due to stress, noise, strain on eyes (such as due to TV or extreme use of computer), dehydration or even fumes and you particularly feel headache when standing up. However after all, it is not dangerous or life threatening.
7. Poor Posture
Extended sitting in poor posture can lead to build-up of tension in the upper back, shoulders and neck area which may result in severe headache when you stand. The pain generally originates from the lower side of the skull and sometimes might radiate to the face and forehead area.
This headache can be managed by regular altering of posture, moderate extending exercises of neck and lower back, etc. If you are mainly hectic on phone, use a headset to decrease strain on the muscles.You may speak with a physical therapist to much better recognize and correct your posture.
Should I Worry?
You can not identify the reason behind your headaches with symptoms alone. So it is always much better to seek advice from a neurologist to reach the actual medical diagnosis. Explain the headache to your doctor to learn more about triggers, relieving aspects and management alternatives. It is also encouraged to discover what triggers your headache when standing up and look for proper treatment to prevent additional complications.
See a doctor if your headache is unbearable or if:
- You have problem speaking, seeing or walking.
- You feel nauseated.
- You neck is stiff or you feel the one side of your body is numb and weak.
- If you feel like fainting.
- If you establish a fever that is greater than 39°C to 40°C (102.2°F to 104°F).
