What Is a Head Rush?
A head rush is a condition in which an individual becomes momentarily disoriented upon standing up quickly. In minor cases, symptoms such as slight dizziness, dimming vision, or some tingling in the area of the head and neck may occur. More advanced cases of head rush may include more severe symptoms, however, such as fainting or a significant decrease in blood pressure. While it is not unusual for a healthy individual to occasionally experience a head rush after sitting or lying down for an extended period of time, recurring problems and increasing severity of symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. When that is the case, a head rush is known as orthostatic hypertension.
One of the underlying factors related to the head rush is the fact that the blood flow in the body is suddenly changed. After reclining or sitting for a long period of time, a sudden change to a standing position may cause a momentary trauma while the head blood supply begins to redistribute. In most situations, this adjustment may take only a matter of seconds to accomplish. During those few seconds, it is possible to experience a sense of developing a headache, feel slightly dizzy, or even notice that vision becomes somewhat grainy. This type of rush can usually be managed by taking a little extra care when getting up after a longer period of resting.
More severe incidents of head rush may require treatment by a physician. If the symptoms seem to become more severe over time or begin to last for longer periods, this may indicate an underlying disorder. Low blood pressure may be complicating the problem and causing some of the symptoms. The lack of a consistent ability to supply a proper level of blood to the brain may also indicate the need for testing and a diagnosis by a doctor.
There are other reasons for head rushes. Smoking marijuana will sometimes lead to this type of condition. The rush may be a reaction to some forms of medication. The condition may also be an indicator of another underlying health issue that is having a negative impact on the flow of blood throughout the body.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to deal with a head rush. Many of the head symptoms will begin to lose intensity if the individual does not move suddenly from a prone position to a standing position. By taking a little more time to raise the body to a standing position, there is less chance for the blood pressure to drop and for the brain to experience a loss in blood flow.
Medication can sometime be used to control a head rush. Fludrocortisone and beta blockers have been used with some degree of success, while anti-anxiety medication, such as various types of benzodiazepines, may also help with the problem. Even some antidepressant medications that impact the process of serotonin reuptake in the brain may prove useful in managing head rushes. A qualified physician can assess the situation and determine the most effective mode of treatment.
Written by Malcolm Tatum
