A throbbing headache upon standing could be due to a rare condition known as a low pressure headache. This is also referred to as spontaneous intracranial hypotension or SIH. It occurs in only 1 in 50,000 people. This type of headache worsens if you stand up and improves if you lie down.

What does it mean when your head hurts when you stand up?

Dehydration. Low fluid volume in your body can cause a drop in your blood pressure when you stand up. Severe anemia or blood loss. When your blood volume is low, blood flow to the brain is diminished, and the headaches are worse when you stand up.

Why does my head throb for a few seconds when I stand up?

Head rushes are caused by a rapid drop in your blood pressure when you stand up. They usually cause dizziness that lasts from a couple seconds to a couple minutes. A head rush may also cause temporary lightheadedness, blurred vision, and confusion. Most people experience occasional head rushes.