What Causes Headache With Nausea?
Some types of headache are accompanied by nausea, a feeling of need for vomiting. Migraines are the most common cause of both headache and nausea.
Other common reasons include:
flu
cold
drying
pregnancy
food allergy
excessive caffeine, nicotine or alcohol consumption
In this article, we investigate the common causes of both headaches and nausea and some of the less common and more serious underlying problems. We also discuss treatments and ways to prevent symptoms.
Causes
What is good for headaches
Headache is very common and most people will experience one from time to time. Nausea is sometimes accompanied by headache and may cause some health problems.
Migraines represent the most common cause of both symptoms. According to a 2015 review, about 1 US experience migraine in 7 people each year.
Migraine looks like a moderate or severe headache. The pain is usually throbbing and is found on one side of the head. During a migraine, a person can also experience:
nausea
vomiting
sensitivity to light or sound
Common reasons
Beyond migraines, common causes of both headaches and nausea are:
cluster headaches
flu, stomach flu or colds
drying
excessive use of nicotine, caffeine or alcohol
stress, depression or anxiety
food allergy
food poisoning
Strep throat
tonsillitis
premenstrual syndrome
pregnancy
Another common cause of a headache and nausea is low blood sugar, which may be caused by:
not eating enough
overuse of diabetes medications
liver or kidney disease
hormonal deficiencies
drinking alcohol
some medicines
Other causes of concurrent headaches and nausea are more severe and may require immediate medical treatment. It is important to understand all the reasons, as it can enable a person to seek the right treatment over time.
More serious reasons
Headaches and nausea are the symptoms of the following serious ailments and injuries:
kidney disease
meningitis
malaria
yellow fever
Hepatitis A
traumatic brain injury
skull fracture
brain aneurysm
glioma
Why does migraine cause nausea?
stomach-ache, nausea-and-head-migraine-mark-sturdy
According to the 2013 review findings, more than 60 percent of people with migraine experience nausea and vomiting. However, the medical community is still not sure why migraine can cause nausea.
One explanation is that migraines affect the nerve pathways that stimulate the part of the brain that controls vomiting. A 2014 study found that people experiencing migraine with nausea probably exhibit activity in the rostral back medullary region of the brain controlling nausea.
Another theory concerns serotonin, a chemical that affects the brain:
nausea
mood
social behavior
appetite
digestion
memory
sex drive
According to a 2012 review, people with migraine have sometimes lowered the level of seratonin that can lead to nausea.
Treatment
Treatment for headaches and nausea depends on the cause. If the cause is migraine, the following can help:
take pain medication
lie down in a quiet and dark room
laying a warm cloth on the forehead
put a cold compress on the back of the neck
Try complementary therapies such as aromatherapy or acupuncture
take nausea medicine
get fresh air
adheres to soft foods and small portions
When to see a doctor
What is the reason-the-head-ache
If a person has no history of severe, sudden headache or migraine, he or she should talk to the doctor.
If a headache or nausea applies a blow to the head, see a doctor immediately.
In addition, if headaches worsen over time or accompany any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:
loss of consciousness
blurred vision
a fire
speech problem
dizziness
neck eclipse
Vomiting occurring sporadically for more than 1 day
Urine over 8 hours
Prevention
Avoiding headaches and nausea may not always be possible. However, the following can help:
quit smoking
reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
Reducing stress through attention, attention, meditation or yoga
drink plenty of water v.
avoiding foods that have previously triggered a migraine
eating a healthy and balanced diet
apply good hygiene to avoid colds, flu or stomach flu
plenty of breaks looking at screens
do enough exercise v.
Migraines are the most common cause of headaches associated with nausea. Dehydration and low blood sugar are also often responsible.
Some reasons are more serious. Several effects such as brain, meningitis, brain aneurysms and tumors. These problems typically include additional symptoms.
Anyone who is worried or confident about the cause of headache and nausea should talk to a doctor.
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