Headaches and nausea sometimes occur together. A common cause of headache with nausea is migraine, which can also cause dizziness.

This article explores the common causes of headaches and nausea, as well as some less common and more serious underlying issues.

It also discusses treatments and ways to prevent the symptoms.

A person with headache and nausea holding the back of their neckShare on Pinterest
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Headaches are very common, and most people will experience them from time to time. Nausea sometimes accompanies a headache. A number of health issues can cause this combination of symptoms.

Migraine is a common cause of both headache and nausea. According to a 2018 review, 1 in every 6 adults in the United States self-reported at least one migraine or severe headache over a 3-month period.

A migraine often feels like a moderate or severe headache. The pain may be throbbing and located on one side of the head.

During a migraine, a person may also experience:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • sensitivity to light or sound

Other common causes of headache and nausea include:

Various types of headaches can cause nausea.

These may include:

Some 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
  • drinking alcohol in excess
  • hormonal deficiencies
  • liver or kidney disease
  • overuse of diabetes medications
  • 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.

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

Migraine is typically associated with nausea. However, the medical community is still unsure why.

One explanation is that migraine affects nerve pathways that stimulate the part of the brain that controls vomiting. A 2017 study found that people experiencing migraine 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

Research suggests that people with migraine sometimes have reduced serotonin levels, which may also lead to nausea.

Treatment for headaches and nausea depends on the cause. However, it may include over-the-counter (OTC) headache or pain medications. It is important that a person does not take these medications more than twice a week. This is because taking headache or pain medications too often can worsen headache pain and the frequency of episodes.

Lifestyle changes can also help manage headaches. These include:

  • relaxing whenever possible
  • managing stress
  • getting plenty of sleep
  • getting regular exercise
  • eating healthy meals regularly

Anyone who is experiencing frequent headaches should speak with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.

Migraine

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, acupuncture, or acupressure
  • taking anti-nausea medication
  • getting fresh air
  • trying meditation
  • sticking to bland foods and small portions
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Illustration by Joules Garcia

If a person has a severe, sudden headache and no history of migraine, they should speak with a healthcare professional.

Contact a healthcare professional 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

It may not always be possible to prevent headaches and nausea. However, the following may help:

  • stopping or avoiding 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 episode
  • eating a healthy, 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

Headache and migraine resources

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for headaches and migraine, visit our dedicated hub.

Migraine is a common cause of headaches that occur with nausea. Dehydration and low blood sugar are also frequently responsible.

Some causes are more serious. Several affect the brain, such as meningitis, brain aneurysms, and tumors. These issues typically feature additional symptoms.

Anyone who is concerned or unsure about the cause of their headaches and nausea should speak with a healthcare professional.