Why migraines cause nausea

A migraine headache causes moderate to severe head pain. Doctors are unclear why some people have them. One explanation is that inflammation changes sensations in the brain to cause migraine headaches. Different types of headaches can also cause nausea.

For example, brain injuries and concussions may cause a headache and nausea. People experiencing migraine headaches should contact a doctor. Migraine headaches are more common in females, people aged 15—55, and those with a family history of migraine headaches. Other symptoms caused by migraine headaches may include :. Lying down in a cool, dark room may help with nausea during a migraine episode. Some people may benefit from antinausea medications, such as ondansetron.

Keeping a symptom diary can help identify triggers. For example, tracking diet, exercise, and stress might help work out patterns that lead to migraine episodes.

Anyone who experiences migraine headaches should speak with a doctor to rule out other causes. A doctor will also be able to help with treatment options. Emergency care is necessary for anyone who experiences head pain and nausea following an injury or a blow to the head.

Confusion, loss of consciousness, and hallucinations are also signs of an emergency. Migraine headaches can cause moderate to severe head pain. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, along with other symptoms. This is known as the gut-brain axis. It connects the central nervous system to the enteric nervous system through the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the gut. In fact, a specific type of migraine that typically occurs in children is known as abdominal migraine.

Nausea and vomiting are known symptoms of this condition. Abdominal migraine pain centers in the stomach rather than in the head. Children prone to abdominal migraine often have migraine attacks as adults. In addition to nausea and vomiting, other migraine symptoms may include:.

Treatments for nausea and vomiting associated with migraine include taking anti-nausea medication. Your doctor will most likely recommend that you take these in addition to pain-relieving drugs.

Anti-nausea medications include:. There are also home remedies and over-the-counter solutions that may help alleviate nausea during migraine. These include:. Migraine attacks with nausea and vomiting can feel debilitating, stopping you from enjoying and participating in life. See your doctor if you have migraine attacks combined with nausea or vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraine. In some people, vomiting seems to alleviate or even stop migraine pain completely.

Stomachaches are a common occurrence that can be treated at home. Here are seven home remedies for you to use to ease your stomach. These remedies…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Causes See your doctor Treatment Prevention Overview A headache is pain or discomfort that occurs in or around your head, including your scalp, sinuses, or neck.

Headaches and nausea are very common symptoms. They can range from mild to severe. What causes headache and nausea? When should you seek medical help? How are headache and nausea treated?

Migraine headache. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Common Pain Syndromes. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 2. Editorial team. Managing migraines at home. Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are: Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate MSG Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, and dairy products Fruits such as avocado, banana, and citrus fruit Meats containing sodium nitrates, such as bacon, hot dogs, salami, and cured meats Red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken liver, figs, and certain beans Alcohol, stress, hormonal changes, skipping meals, lack of sleep, certain odors or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, exercise, and cigarette smoking may also trigger a migraine.

When You Get a Migraine. When migraine symptoms begin: Drink water to avoid dehydration, especially if you have vomited Rest in a quiet, dark room Place a cool cloth on your head Avoid smoking or drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages Try to sleep Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin, are often helpful when your migraine is mild.

Preventing Migraine Headaches. When you get a headache, write down: Day and time the pain began What you ate and drank over the past 24 hours How much you slept What you were doing and where you were right before the pain started How long the headache lasted and what made it stop Review your diary with your provider to identify triggers or a pattern to your headaches.

Lifestyle changes that may help include: Avoid triggers that seem to bring on a migraine headache. Get regular sleep and exercise. Slowly decrease the amount of caffeine you drink every day. Learn and practice stress management. Some people find relaxation exercises and meditation helpful.