We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Severe Headaches and Nausea?

By Jacob Queen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,505
Share

There are several possible connections between severe headaches and nausea. Sometimes the headache itself is causing the nausea, especially in the case of migraines. In other cases, they can be two separate symptoms of a common disorder or condition. A lot of viruses and other illnesses that affect the stomach can also cause headaches, and this is one of the main connections.

When most people describe severe headache and nausea in direct association with each other, they are talking about migraines, and there is some research into how that connection works. Migraines are generally caused by a swelling in the blood vessels inside the brain, and this sort of swelling seems to be related to serotonin levels. There is also research suggesting that lowered serotonin levels can make people feel nauseous. Not all people who have migraines suffer with nausea, but it is very common. Sometimes migraine-related nausea is triggered by motion, and sometimes it doesn’t have any direct cause other than the migraine itself.

Another common condition where severe headaches and nausea can co-exist is a hangover. Many people who use alcohol may experience a very unpleasant condition as the alcohol wears off. This is usually felt the next morning after waking up. It has some symptoms in common with migraines, including sensitivity to light and sound, along with severe headaches and nausea.

There are many viruses and bacterial infections that cause severe headaches and nausea at the same time. Influenza, for example, is well-known to cause both symptoms. This is partly because both symptoms are manifestations of the immune system fighting off an illness. When a person becomes infected, one of the reactions of the immune system is often a fever, and fevers can potentially cause a headache. Another way the body has of dealing with foreign invaders is to expel things through vomiting and diarrhea, so a person may also become nauseous.

People who experience severe headache and nausea usually treat each condition separately. Most medicines that help control headache pain are not especially beneficial for nausea problems and vice-versa. Sometimes it is possible to focus treatment on the underlying condition, and if this approach is successful, the symptoms will generally go away as well. Some common drugs that help with headache pain are non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and special prescription medications. Treatments for nausea vary significantly depending on the underlying cause of the condition, but they could include things like promethazine hydrochloride.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By donasmrs — On Aug 07, 2013

@simrin-- I don't want to freak you our but could you be pregnant? My sister had nausea and headaches during her first trimester.

Most people are familiar with nausea and vomiting as pregnancy symptoms, but headaches can happen too, due to hormonal changes.

By fBoyle — On Aug 06, 2013

@simrin-- Try not to worry. There are so many causes for headaches and nausea, it doesn't have to be something serious.

I had headaches and nausea when I had vertigo. Basically the pressure in my inner ear was messed up and it was causing headaches and nausea. It went away by itself after the pressure in my ear normalized.

Long-term antibiotic use can also create problems in the inner ear and cause these symptoms. It's probably something minor with an easy treatment.

By SteamLouis — On Aug 06, 2013

I've been experiencing frequent headaches and nausea for the past several weeks. I have no idea what might be causing it and I'm getting worried. I just made an appointment with my doctor, hopefully it's nothing serious.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-severe-headaches-and-nausea.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.