Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 4/7/2025

What might cause a stomach ache accompanied by a headache?

A stomach ache with a headache can sometimes happen with migraines, and it might also be related to stress or other gut problems.

answer background

Explanation

When you have a headache along with a stomach ache, one of the common reasons can be migraine. Migraines are strong headaches that sometimes come with tummy pain, nausea, or trouble eating. Researchers have found that there is a connection between the gut and the brain, which means that changes in one can affect the other. This is known as the gut-brain connection. Stress, certain foods, or even skipping meals might trigger both headaches and stomach pain in some people. Besides migraines, other conditions like tension headaches or problems with digestion could make you feel pain in your head and your tummy at the same time. It is also possible that feeling unwell in general, perhaps from dehydration or a minor infection, could lead to these symptoms. If these pains happen often or become very strong, it's good to talk with a doctor. They can ask questions, check your health, and help figure out the cause and the best way to feel better.

(References)

  • Vaccaro M, Moschiano F. A woman with abdominal pain and headache. Neurol Sci. 2009 May;30 Suppl 1:S141-3. doi: 10.1007/s10072-009-0062-6. PMID: 19415446.

  • Cámara-Lemarroy CR, Rodriguez-Gutierrez R, Monreal-Robles R, Marfil-Rivera A. Gastrointestinal disorders associated with migraine: A comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Sep 28;22(36):8149-60. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i36.8149. PMID: 27688656; PMCID: PMC5037083.

  • Aurora SK, Shrewsbury SB, Ray S, Hindiyeh N, Nguyen L. A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut-brain connection. Headache. 2021 Apr;61(4):576-589. doi: 10.1111/head.14099. Epub 2021 Apr 1. PMID: 33793965; PMCID: PMC8251535.

Still looking for answers about
your symptoms?

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Abdominal pain

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.