Headache and nausea are symptoms that may be caused by conditions like migraine, high blood pressure, stroke, pregnancy, dengue, labyrinthitis, or even hypoglycemia.
Depending on the cause, headache and nausea may also come with vomiting, discomfort, blurred vision, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.
When headache and nausea are frequent, a doctor should be consulted. However, if symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, blurred vision, or fever occur, urgent medical care is recommended to identify the cause and begin treatment.
What can cause a headache with nausea?
1. Migraine
Migraine is a type of moderate to severe throbbing headache that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, general malaise, tingling in the body, and sensitivity to light.
Read more about migraine symptoms and how they can present.
How to relieve: Treatment may include anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, antiemetics, and corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor, such as acetaminophen, metoclopramide, or prednisone. Resting in a dark, quiet room, meditating, doing yoga, or receiving massage may also help relieve migraine symptoms. Some patients may also benefit from maintaining a migraine diet.
2. High blood pressure
A strong headache and nausea may be signs of high blood pressure, a chronic condition in which blood pressure levels stay above 140/90 mmHg.
Although high blood pressure often has no symptoms, they may appear when blood pressure rises significantly.
How to relieve: Antihypertensive medications like captopril, spironolactone, or atenolol may be prescribed. A low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar diet and regular physical activity are also recommended. Herbal teas like horsetail, hibiscus, or lemongrass may be used as complementary treatments if approved by a doctor.
3. Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood and oxygen flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. This can lead to sudden headache and nausea, facial asymmetry, and paralysis.
Other stroke symptoms may include confusion, blurry or double vision, and trouble speaking clearly.
How to relieve: A stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the hospital immediately. Treatment may include blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, or antifibrinolytics. Procedures like cerebral catheterization, thrombolysis, surgery, or hemostatic therapy (with vitamin K, plasma, or platelet transfusion) may also be needed.
4. Pregnancy
Headache and nausea, along with dizziness, are common in the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Other signs may include fatigue, drowsiness, breast tenderness, lower back pain, and aversion to strong smells.
Also recommended: 14 Pregnancy Symptoms (by week) & Early Signs You're Pregnant tuasaude.com/en/pregnancy-symptomsHow to relieve: Resting in a calm, well-ventilated environment, drinking water, and using cold compresses on the forehead or neck may help. Eating light meals with easily digested foods like steamed vegetables, white meats, and fresh fruit can also reduce symptoms. Spicy, fried, or fatty foods should be avoided.
5. Dengue
Dengue is a viral infection that may cause headache and nausea, high fever, body aches, skin rashes, abdominal pain, sleepiness, or even bleeding in severe cases.
How to relieve: Treatment typically includes fever reducers, pain relievers, and antiemetics as prescribed by a doctor. Rest and staying hydrated are essential to help the body eliminate the virus. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be needed for IV fluids or blood and platelet transfusions.
6. Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation in the inner ear (labyrinth) that can cause headache and nausea, along with vertigo, loss of balance, tinnitus, or hearing loss.
It may be triggered by viral or bacterial infections, diabetes, or emotional factors such as stress and anxiety. Check-out our online labyrinthitis symptoms quiz if you suspect you may have this condition.
How to relieve: Treatment may involve medications like flunarizine, dimenhydrinate, or betahistine to manage symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (a type of physical therapy) may also be recommended to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
7. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, and it may cause headache and nausea, along with hunger, shaking, fatigue, confusion, or fainting.
It can be triggered by excessive use of diabetes medications, prolonged fasting, or excessive alcohol consumption.
How to relieve: Consume 15 to 30 grams of simple carbohydrates, such as a tablespoon of sugar in water, a tablespoon of honey, 150 ml of regular soda, or pure orange juice. Wait 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar, and repeat if necessary. If symptoms persist, seek emergency care. In moderate to severe cases, doctors may prescribe glucagon injections.
8. Hangover
A hangover is marked by headache, nausea, eye pain, general malaise, body aches, and stomach discomfort. Symptoms typically appear the day after drinking alcohol and are due to liver overload and dehydration.
How to relieve: Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy meal, consuming fruit juices, and getting rest can help. Medications like ibuprofen, metoclopramide, or milk thistle (silymarin) may also be used to ease symptoms with medical guidance.
Also recommended: How to Cure a Hangover: 8 Simple Tips tuasaude.com/en/how-to-cure-a-hangover9. Stress and anxiety
Headache, nausea, and even diarrhea can result from stress and anxiety, which may stem from health problems, work issues, grief, pregnancy, trauma, or financial concerns.
Other symptoms may include rapid breathing, fast heart rate, shaking, dizziness, impatience, or changes in appetite.
How to relieve: Doctors may prescribe medications like sertraline, paroxetine, or propranolol. Psychotherapy and lifestyle changes like regular exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet are also beneficial.
10. Brain tumor
A brain tumor involves the abnormal growth of cells in the brain or surrounding membranes, which may cause headache and nausea, blurred vision, or seizures. Read more about symptoms of a brain tumor and how they can present.
Its exact causes are unknown, but it is linked to genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
How to relieve: Treatment depends on the size, type, grade, and location of the tumor. Surgery may be performed to remove it. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy may also be used alone or in combination.