What causes headache and nausea?
Jun 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, excessive eye strain, migraines, acute gastritis, or hypertension. Symptomatic management may involve general treatment measures and medication. When experiencing symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting, it is recommended to find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down, relax the body, close the eyes, and rest, thereby reducing external stimuli and alleviating discomfort.
Generally, headaches, nausea, and vomiting may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, eye strain, migraines, acute gastritis, hypertension, and so on. Symptomatic treatment such as general care or medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. High Mental Stress
Being in a prolonged state of tension, anxiety, or excessive stress may lead to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms may be accompanied by insomnia, low mood, irritability, and more. It is recommended to improve these symptoms by relaxing the mind and body and reducing stress through deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
2. Eye Strain
Prolonged use of electronic devices, reading, or performing detailed tasks may lead to poor blood circulation in the eyes, which can cause headaches. Additionally, tension in the eye muscles may stimulate nerves, causing nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit. These symptoms may be accompanied by eye fatigue, dryness, and blurred vision. It is recommended to rest your eyes appropriately, look into the distance or close your eyes periodically to relieve muscle tension.
3. Migraine
Migraines may be related to imbalances of chemicals in the brain, abnormal nerve pathways, and genetic factors. During a migraine attack, nerve pathways in the brain are activated, leading to blood vessel dilation and inflammatory responses that cause headaches. These changes may also stimulate areas of the brainstem, causing nausea and vomiting. In addition, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as visual auras, may also occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Nimodipine tablets, Compound Propranolol Caffeine tablets, or Topiramate tablets to alleviate symptoms.
4. Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis refers to acute inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by bacterial infection, drug-induced injury, or alcohol irritation. In cases of acute gastritis, the stomach lining is damaged, digestion is impaired, and food remains in the stomach, irritating the stomach wall and causing nausea and vomiting. At the same time, stomach discomfort may reflexively cause headaches and may also be accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. It is recommended to follow a doctor's guidance and use medications such as Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, Lansoprazole tablets, or Pantoprazole enteric-coated tablets for treatment.
5. Hypertension
Long-term high-salt diet, emotional fluctuations, genetic factors, and other reasons may cause hypertension. When hypertension occurs, the pressure on the blood vessel walls increases, which may lead to abnormal vascular spasms or dilation, causing headaches. At the same time, hypertension may also affect cerebral blood circulation and nerve conduction, resulting in nausea and a feeling of wanting to vomit. Symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath may also occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Nifedipine tablets, Methyldopa tablets, or Captopril sustained-release tablets to relieve symptoms.
When experiencing symptoms of headache, nausea, and vomiting, it is recommended to sit or lie down in a quiet and comfortable place, relax the body, close the eyes to rest, reduce external stimuli, and alleviate discomfort.
