What causes a headache with nausea?

Some types of headache are accompanied by nausea, which is the feeling of needing to vomit. Migraines are the most common cause of both a headache and nausea.
Other common causes include:
In this article, we explore the common causes of both headaches and nausea, as well as some underlying issues that are less common and more serious. We also discuss treatments and ways to prevent the symptoms.

Causes

headache and nausea 
A headache accompanied by nausea is a common symptom of a migraine.
Headaches are very common, and most people will experience one from time to time. Nausea sometimes accompanies a headache, and a number of health issues can cause this.
Migraines represent the most common cause of both symptoms. According to a 2015 review, around 1 in 7 people in United States experience migraines every year.
A migraine feels like a moderate or severe headache. The pain is often throbbing and located on one side of the head. During a migraine, a person may also experience:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sensitivity to light or sound

Common causes

Beyond migraines, common causes of both headaches and nausea include:
Another common cause of a headache and nausea is low blood sugar, which can result from:
  • not eating enough
  • overuse of diabetes medications
  • liver or kidney disease
  • hormonal deficiencies
  • drinking alcohol in excess
  • certain medications
Other causes of concurrent headaches and nausea are more severe and may require urgent medical treatment. Understanding the full range of causes is essential, as it can enable a person to seek the right treatment in time.

More serious causes

Headaches and nausea are symptoms of the following severe conditions and injuries:

Why do migraines cause nausea?

headache and nausea causes sleep issues 
Lying in a dark, quiet room can help reduce migraine symptoms.
According to the findings of a 2013 review, over 60 percent of people with migraines also experience nausea and vomiting. However, the medical community is still unsure why migraines can cause nausea.
One explanation is that migraines affect nerve pathways that stimulate the part of the brain that controls vomiting. A 2014 study found that people experiencing migraines with nausea showed activity in the rostral dorsal medullary area of the brain, which likely controls nausea.
Another theory relates to serotonin, a chemical in the brain that affects:
  • nausea
  • mood
  • social behavior
  • appetite
  • digestion
  • memory
  • sex drive
According to a 2012 review, people with migraines sometimes have reduced serotonin levels, which may also lead to nausea

Treatment

Treatment for headaches and nausea depends on the cause. If the cause is a migraine, the following may help:
  • taking pain-relieving medication
  • lying in a quiet, dark room
  • laying a warm cloth on the forehead
  • putting a cold compress on the back of the neck
  • trying complementary treatments, such as aromatherapy or acupuncture
  • taking anti-nausea medication
  • getting fresh air
  • sticking to bland foods and small portions

When to see a doctor

headache and nausea from a migraine can require medical treatment 
 Anyone who has persistent headaches should see a doctor.
If a person has a severe, sudden headache and no history of migraines, they should speak with a doctor.
See a doctor right away if a headache and nausea follow a blow to the head.
Also, seek medical attention if headaches grow worse over time or accompany any of the following symptoms:
  • loss of consciousness
  • blurred vision
  • a fever
  • trouble speaking
  • feeling dizzy or confused
  • having a stiff neck
  • vomiting that occurs sporadically for more than 1 day
  • not urinating for more than 8 hours

Prevention

It may not always be possible to prevent headaches and nausea. However, the following may help:
  • stopping smoking
  • reducing caffeine and alcohol intakes
  • reducing the effects of stress through mindfulness, meditation, or yoga
  • drinking plenty of water
  • avoiding foods that have previously triggered a migraine
  • eating a healthful, balanced diet
  • practicing good hygiene to avoid colds, the flu, or the stomach flu
  • taking plenty of breaks from looking at screens
  • getting enough exercise

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ten health risks of chronic heavy drinking

Image
Frequently drinking too much alcohol is harmful to health. Alcohol can have an impact on every body system. How much alcohol a person drinks, genetic factors, gender, body mass, and general state of health all influence how a person's health responds to chronic heavy drinking. However, studies consistently show that, overall, heavy alcohol consumption is detrimental to health and a leading preventable cause of death. When the body takes in more alcohol than it can metabolize, the excess builds up in the bloodstream. The heart circulates the blood alcohol throughout the body, leading to changes in chemistry and normal body functions. Even a single binge-drinking episode can result in significant bodily impairment, damage, or death. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of many chronic diseases and other serious health problems. Alcohol has been found to contribute to at least 60 different health conditions. Let's look at the ten most c...
Read more

How the body processes alcohol

Image
A big concern that many people have is how long the alcohol they have been drinking will remain in their system. There are a lot of factors that can affect this but, on average, the liver can process 1 ounce of alcohol every hour, and it can be detected in the blood for several hours, and in the urine for several days. The following is information on how the body processes alcohol and the different factors that can affect that process. Alcohol enters the bloodstream through the stomach. In general, the liver can process up to an ounce of alcohol every hour. The effects of alcohol come from its presence in the blood and body tissues. Alcohol can be detected in the blood, urine and even on the breath. How does the body process alcohol?   The effects of a high blood alcohol concentration may include impaired memory, confusion, slurred speech, and nausea. Around 20 percent of the alcohol a person drinks is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream through the stomach. A ...
Read more

What different types of headaches are there?

Image
There are many different types of headaches, and their causes and symptoms can vary. Although most are short-lived and rarely a cause for concern, being able to recognize which kind of headache a person is experiencing can inform them how best to treat it and whether to see a doctor. Headaches are a common complaint. According to the World Health Organization , most people will experience a headache from time to time. While they can be sometimes painful and debilitating, the majority can be treated with simple painkillers and will go away within several hours. However, repeated attacks or certain types of headache could be a sign of something more serious. This article looks at some of the most common types of headaches, along with their causes, treatment, prevention, and when to see a doctor. The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) defines more than 150 different types of headaches. These are divided into two main categories: primary and secondar...
Read more