What could be causing nausea along with a headache?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Nausea with a headache is most commonly caused by migraines, a neurological condition in which changes in brain activity, blood flow, and nerve signaling trigger both severe head pain and stomach upset at the same time. Other possible causes include tension headaches, dehydration, low blood sugar, viral infections, or, less commonly, more serious conditions like concussion or high blood pressure.

Because nausea and headache can point to many different underlying issues—some minor, some requiring medical attention—it's worth understanding your specific symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, AI-powered symptom check to get personalized insight into what may be causing your symptoms and guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of nausea and headaches Learn if nausea and headaches need care Find out what's causing your nausea and headache See OTC relief for nausea and headaches Find a doctor for nausea and headache Understand home remedies for nausea and headaches Check if nausea and headaches need urgent care

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Explanation

Nausea and headache together are commonly seen in migraine sufferers. Migraines are a type of headache where changes in the brain can cause both pain and nausea.

Why Do They Occur Together?

Brain Changes: Research shows that during a migraine, certain parts of the brain become more active, which can lead to nausea.
Common Symptoms: Many people who have migraines report experiencing nausea along with their headache.

How Common Is It?

Studies have found that nausea is a frequent complaint among those with headaches, particularly migraines. This means if you have both symptoms, it might be due to a migraine.

If you experience these symptoms frequently, it might be helpful to check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing them and learn more about managing migraines.

(References)

Lipton RB, Buse DC, Saiers J, Fanning KM, Serrano D, & Reed ML. (2013). Frequency and burden of headache-related nausea. Headache, 23148774.
Maniyar FH, Sprenger T, Schankin C, & Goadsby PJ. (2014). The origin of nausea in migraine-a PET study. The journal of headache and pain, 25471540.
Silberstein SD. (1995). Migraine symptoms: results of a survey of self-reported .... Headache, 7672955.

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