Headaches are a normal part of life for many people and can range from simple annoyances to severe and debilitating. Most headaches don't prove serious, but if you experience any newly occurring or different and severe headache, you should visit your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. Headaches that progressively get worse or reoccur should receive medical attention as they can indicate a serious illness or injury. Nausea can accompany headaches symptoms, which help define the root cause of the headache.
Brain Trauma
Head trauma most often occurs in car accidents or sporting injuries and can cause damage to the brain tissue. A concussion may result from a jarring injury that causes bruising and swelling of the brain tissue and can lead to symptoms of severe headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and emotional changes. According to Familydoctor.org, head injuries may also leave a person unable to concentrate, remember things or unable to put thoughts together well. These symptoms are usually not permanent and often recede within a few weeks, but if the injury proves severe, permanent damage may occur.
Tumor
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells that has grown out of control within the brain. Tumors can be benign or malignant, slow growing or aggressive. Headache proves one of the primary symptoms of a brain tumor. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, typical brain tumor headaches feel worse in the morning and improve as the day goes on. Nausea also proves a very common symptom of a brain tumor and patients will often vomit and then feel better for a period. As the tumor grows, headaches and additional symptoms worsen and cause increasing debilitation.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that has a greater affinity for hemoglobin than does oxygen. When humans ingest carbon monoxide it saturates the hemoglobin and makes it impossible for the blood to carry enough oxygen to tissues and the brain. The Mayo Clinic reports that headaches, nausea, dizziness, red coloration to the skin and confusion all indicate carbon monoxide poisoning and individuals should receive immediate treatment, as this can become a life-threatening condition.
Migraine
True migraine headaches are chronically reoccurring severe headaches that often begin in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood and can cause significant pain that lasts for hours or days, according to the Mayo Clinic. Migraine headaches often preceded after aura, which includes neurological symptoms, such as pulsating throbbing head pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. The Mayo Clinic also reports that the true cause of migraines remains unknown, but brain chemicals and nerve function may play a part.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma involves increased pressure inside of the eye. This increased pressure can cause severe headaches, nausea, eye redness and blurred vision. Glaucoma can result because of antihistamine medication, stress, infections or injury and if this does not receive proper treatment, can lead to blindness.
