Why might you be passing out when standing up or going to the bathroom with MS?
Passing out when standing up is often related to orthostatic hypotension — a drop in blood pressure that happens when you change position from sitting or lying down to standing. Over half of people with MS experience this.
MS can affect your Show Full Answer
Why might you be passing out when standing up or going to the bathroom with MS?
Passing out when standing up is often related to orthostatic hypotension — a drop in blood pressure that happens when you change position from sitting or lying down to standing. Over half of people with MS experience this.
MS can affect your autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic functions like blood pressure and heart rate. When demyelination damages the nerves that help regulate these functions, your body may not adjust blood pressure quickly enough when you stand, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Bathroom-related fainting can happen for a few reasons:
* The urgency to reach the bathroom quickly combined with mobility challenges
* Standing up too fast from the toilet
* Straining during urination or bowel movements, which can trigger a vasovagal response (a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure)
Some MS medications, like fingolimod (Gilenya) and ozanimod (Zeposia), can also contribute to low blood pressure as a side effect.
What can help:
* Stand up slowly and pause before walking
* Bend forward and put your head between your legs if you feel faint
* Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals
* Talk with your neurologist, especially if fainting comes with confusion, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or slurred speech
Your doctor can help determine the cause and adjust treatments if needed.
January 18
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