Did you know that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from migraines? Of these people, it is estimated that around 80% suffer from headaches and nausea, or headaches and dizziness. My husband is one of these people. For him, the nausea and dizziness are more debilitating than the pain itself. In fact, sometimes he has vomited so many times during a migraine that he becomes dehydrated. Few things are more painful than the “dry heaves,” when you have nothing left in your stomach to vomit, but your body won't stop retching and spasming. Attacks of dizziness can be just as bad, especially while driving.
Headaches and Nausea
There is a wide variety of headache causes. Sometimes noise and light will bring on a headache. Other times you may be dehydrated or exhausted. Some people have headaches because of underlying medical problems. Everybody get headaches, and in some cases, the symptoms are debilitating. The most frequent headache symptoms include pain in your neck and temples, pain when you move your eyes from side to side, and sensitivity to noise and light.
It is not as common to experience nausea with a headache. Usually nausea and headaches are indicative of a migraine. First your nerves and appetite are affected. Then your whole body begins to suffer. You may endure abdominal cramps along with the nausea. You may even throw up.
For some people, the worst part about having migraines is not the actual pain. It's the nausea and vomiting. Some people don't experience stomach problems when they have a migraine, but people who do are often debilitated by it. About 80% of chronic migraineurs get nauseous some of the time. Only about 30% will actually vomit. Some of these people will throw up many times.
Headaches and Dizziness
Perhaps you have never experienced nausea from a migraine attack, but maybe you suffer from headaches and dizziness instead. If so, you may need to consult your physician. Dizziness can be a sign of an underlying medical illness. You need to find out if the headaches and dizziness are related or independent. Your doctor should be able to identify if you are suffering from vertigo or lightheadedness, which can be an indication of a more serious problem.
Some people feel headaches and dizziness on occasion during routine activities, like when you work out in the yard on a hot day. But if you experience dizziness on a more regular basis, you know how incapacitating it can be. It will help if you avoid the things that trigger your headaches so that you don't have to suffer as often.
Cigarettes and caffeine are two of the most common triggers for headaches and dizziness, or headaches and nausea. The best thing you can do for relief is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
John Morris, DMD says
good point It is not as common to experience nausea with a headache. Usually nausea and headaches are indicative of a migraine.
BlissPlan says
John, I had two migraines in my life and I wouldn’t wish them on my worst enemy (if I had any enemies, that is :-). Migraines are a terrible affliction.