Why might someone with multiple myeloma feel faint when standing up?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Feeling faint when standing up with multiple myeloma is often caused by orthostatic hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This reduces blood flow to the brain, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. In multiple myeloma, this can result from anemia, dehydration, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney complications, or side effects of treatments like chemotherapy and steroids. Amyloidosis, a condition sometimes linked to myeloma, can also impair the nervous system's ability to regulate blood pressure.

Because dizziness on standing can signal several overlapping issues, it's important to understand what may be driving your symptoms. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clearer guidance on your next steps—so you can have a more informed conversation with your doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

When a person with multiple myeloma stands up, they might feel faint because of how their body handles blood pressure changes. According to the literature, when you stand, your blood pressure can drop, and your body needs to quickly adjust to keep your brain getting enough blood and oxygen. This process is sometimes not as effective in people with certain conditions.

Blood Pressure Changes: Reference 2 explains that standing up can cause a drop in blood pressure, which is called orthostatic hypotension. This can make someone feel dizzy or faint.
Brain Blood Flow: Reference 3 discusses how important it is for the brain to get enough blood and oxygen. If this doesn't happen when standing, it can lead to fainting.

Understanding these mechanisms can help in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for those with multiple myeloma. If you're experiencing dizziness, fainting, or other concerning symptoms, consider using Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and whether you should seek medical attention. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice.

(References)

Gibson JS, Hunter CB, & Hewitt LA. (2020). A Call to Action: The Role of Healthcare Providers in .... Neurology and therapy, 32720118.
Kempler P, Tesfaye S, Chaturvedi N, Stevens LK, Webb DJ, Eaton S, et al. (2001). Blood pressure response to standing in the diagnosis .... Archives of physiology and biochemistry, 11880924.
Van Lieshout JJ, Wieling W, Karemaker JM, & Secher NH. (2003). Syncope, cerebral perfusion, and oxygenation. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 12571122.

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