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Heaviness in head after waking up and feeling dizzy
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General Health
Question #11665
45 days ago
167

Heaviness in head after waking up and feeling dizzy - #11665

Soumya Dash

Yesterday, after lying down for a while, I sat up and immediately felt very dizzy and like my head was heavy. A few moments later, I started shaking and shivering, and my heart began pounding really fast. That episode lasted for about 15 minutes. Even after the shaking stopped, the dizziness continued for almost an hour. I didn’t faint, but I felt very unsteady and drained. This is the first time it has happened. My boyfriend was with me and noticed I was shaking while he held me.

Age: 19
Chronic illnesses: No
Dizziness and weakness
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
43 days ago
5

Hello Don’t worry you will get fine Do you have any sex history or late or missed period?

83 answered questions
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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
38 days ago
5

Hello dear See dizziness or weakness can be due to either low bp or any excess physical exertion At your age even hormonal fluctuations occur So for exact confirmation kindly get below tests done Bp evaluation Serum ferritin Serum tsh Hb Lft Rft Esr Please share the details for confirmation. Kindly don’t take any medications without consulting the concerned doctor Regards

906 answered questions
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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
38 days ago
5

Your episode could be due to a benign cause like sudden BP drop or anxiety, but since it was intense with shaking and rapid heart rate, you should not ignore it. Please consult a doctor soon for proper evaluation and to rule out heart or neurological issues

810 answered questions
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Dr. Divyansh Kumawat
I am a medical graduate and I completed my degree from a reputable institution where I also went through the mandatory one year rotatory internship that exposed me to almost every dept of clinical medicine. Those months were long and some days felt never ending but I got real hands on experiance in OPDs, wards, even emergency and minor procedures. What stayed with me is not only the knowledge of disease but the way patients look at their own illness. I learnt early that treating just a symptom or single diagnosis isnt enough, the real challenge is to see the patient as a whole, to understand how their lifestyle, family, stress, small daily habits all play into recovery. Sometimes the answer is simple treatment, sometimes it is a mix of counselling, preventive steps and medicine. I still carry that approach in my daily practice. When I sit with a patient I try not to rush, I want to hear the small details, the part they think unimportant. Because often those parts give the clue. I focus on holistic patient care, where general medicine overlaps with preventive health, lifestyle modification and long term well-being. The internship also gave me confidence to work under pressure, managing routine as well as complex cases. From inserting IV lines, catheters, assisting in deliveries, handling inpatient records, or stabilizing a patient in distress – each experience taught me something about both science and responsibility. My training also shaped how I communicate. I prefer using simple words, no heavy jargon, so patients and families can actually feel safe and understand what is happening. I don’t claim to know all the answers but I always try to look deeper and give care that is both rational and empathetic. For me the goal is not just to fix a lab value or acute problem, but to help patients feel they are being seen and treated as a person. That’s what keeps me grounded in medicine and also keeps me learning everyday.
42 days ago
5

Hi soumya, I can see your issue here. See dizziness after waking up and standing or sitting instantly from lying position may cause similar symptoms which is most likely in your case and I hope so this should be the case since it is not that serious. The other causes may include Cardiac arrhythmias, hypoglycemia, neurological causes but all these appear less likely. What you should be doing? So to answer this first of all don’t panic, if similar episode occurs in future then visit your physician. You’ll have to get these tests done, ECG, blood pressure monitoring for orthostatic hypotension, blood sugar testing and hemogram electrolyte and thyroid evaluation. You should visit the emergency department if you faint or near faint, chest pain, shortness of breath,limb weakness or speech difficulty. Rest assured you’ll be alright. Open to further questions.

11 answered questions
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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
34 days ago
5

Hello Soumya, I understand this might be disturbing. Since this is your first episode, it is important to rule out both neurological and cardiac causes, as well as anxiety-related episodes. Here is my advise for you -

1. Hydrate well, avoid sudden changes in posture.

2. Get these tests done to find out the reason for your issue - CBC, Thyroid Profile, HbA1C, ECG, BP monitoring. If recurrent → ENT evaluation for vertigo & Neuro exam. After the test reports, it is advised to do a physical consult with a PHYSICIAN.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

173 answered questions
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0 replies

Based on your description, the symptoms of dizziness, heaviness in the head, shaking, shivering, a racing heart, along with the overall unsteadiness could indicate several potential causes. One possibility is orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops when you stand up from a lying position, leading to dizziness and sometimes palpitations or shaking. Dehydration, changes in medications, or even standing up too quickly can contribute to this condition. Another potential cause could be an anxiety or panic attack, where some individuals experience feelings of intense fear, shaking, and rapid heartbeat. It’s important to consider your overall heart health as well. Conditions like arrhythmias can cause similar symptoms, so monitoring these events could be useful in pinpointing an underlying issue. To manage such episodes, try standing up more slowly, ensuring you’re well-hydrated, and noting any patterns or potential triggers. If this reoccurs, it may be worth keeping a log and consulting a healthcare provider for further assessment. If you experience these symptoms again and they persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly, particularly if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. For now, consider maintaining an adequate intake of water, checking your posture, avoid sudden movements, and observe for any more episodes. It’s crucial to follow up with a doctor if any symptoms persist, recur, or if you have significant concerns, especially with persistent or increasing heart palpitations.

3728 answered questions
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