Headaches and nausea are non-specific symptoms that most people experience at least occasionally. Most of the time, they go away on their own without medical treatment. Sometimes they may indicate a serious medical problem that should be evaluated by a doctor. If you experience persistent headaches and nausea, or if your symptoms are severe, call your physician for advice.
Migraine
A migraine is a headache that usually occurs on one side of the head. Before the pain starts, some sufferers experience a temporary loss of vision or see spots or flashes of light, according to WomansHealth.gov. Many times, migraines are accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Migraines are caused by an inflammation of blood vessels, and they can be prompted by stress, lack of sleep, hormone changes and certain foods. If you think that you may suffer from migraine headaches, see your doctor.
Head Injury
If you bump or otherwise injure your head, you may experience headaches with nausea. FamilyDoctor.org states that some nausea is normal immediately after a head injury. Nausea and headaches that persist, however, may indicate a concussion, contusion or hematoma, and require medical evaluation. Sometimes symptoms may not occur until several days or weeks after the injury. If you have injured your head and experience persistent nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, seizures, trouble walking or confusion, see your doctor right away.
Pregnancy
Headaches and nausea may be among the earliest indications that you are pregnant, says the American Pregnancy Association. Hormonal changes can be responsible for these symptoms, as can dehydration, a lack of sleep, anxiety about the pregnancy and a change in diet. For many women, headaches and nausea wane by the end of the first trimester, but other women will experience bothersome symptoms throughout their pregnancies. Talk to your doctor if you are unable to keep food down or if your headaches are severe.
Medications
Almost any medication can cause side effects that include headaches and nausea, says the American Family Physician. Common culprits may be non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen; birth control pills or chemotherapy medications. Many times, the side effects will stop after you have been taking the medication for a while. If they persist or are severe, talk to your doctor.
