Why do my head and stomach hurt and feel like throwing up?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Headaches and nausea often go hand-in-hand, with migraine being a primary culprit, though many other conditions can trigger this unpleasant combination of symptoms. Find out why do my head and stomach hurt and feel like throwing up, from common issues to more serious underlying causes that require professional attention.

Quick Summary

This constellation of symptoms is commonly caused by migraines, viral illnesses like the stomach flu, dehydration, food poisoning, or stress. The feeling of throwing up, or nausea, can be a direct result of the condition affecting your central nervous system or digestive tract. Some cases are easily managed, while others may signal a more serious health issue requiring immediate medical care.

Key Points

Migraines cause nausea: This neurological condition frequently includes head pain, nausea, and vomiting due to effects on the central nervous system.
Dehydration is a key factor: Inadequate fluid intake can cause headaches and nausea by affecting brain volume and blood pressure.
Gut and brain are linked: The brain-gut axis means that digestive issues like food poisoning or IBS can directly trigger headaches and nausea.
Home care provides relief: Mild symptoms often improve with rest in a dark room, hydration, a bland diet, and ginger for nausea.
Know the emergency signs: Seek immediate medical help for the "worst headache of your life," stiff neck, fever, or confusion, as these may indicate serious conditions.
Stress is a hidden trigger: High stress and anxiety can manifest physically as both tension headaches and gastrointestinal distress.
Food is a potential trigger: Keep track of what you eat, as food allergies or contamination (food poisoning) can lead to headache and nausea.

Common culprits for feeling sick to your stomach

When your head and stomach are in distress, several common issues could be at play. The connection between the brain and the gut is powerful and bidirectional, meaning what affects one can often affect the other. Here are some of the most frequent causes of these overlapping symptoms:

Migraine: More than just a bad headache, a migraine is a neurological condition often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The intense pain can be debilitating, and researchers believe the link between migraines and nausea involves nerve pathways and neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Viral Infections (Stomach Flu): Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is a primary suspect. It causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and often, a resulting headache from dehydration and body aches.
Dehydration: A surprisingly common cause, dehydration can trigger both headaches and nausea. When your body lacks enough fluid, your brain tissue can temporarily shrink, leading to a dehydration headache. The associated drop in blood pressure and mineral imbalance can also induce nausea.
Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to a sudden onset of symptoms. The body's reaction to bacteria or toxins often includes severe stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, with a headache developing as a secondary symptom due to the body's stress response and dehydration.
Stress and Anxiety: High-stress levels can trigger headaches and can also manifest as gastrointestinal distress. The "fight or flight" response can disrupt normal digestive processes, leading to stomach upset and nausea, alongside tension-related headaches.

Uncovering the brain-gut axis

Understanding how the brain and gut communicate is crucial to understanding these symptoms. The brain-gut axis is a complex network of signaling pathways involving the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system (the nervous system of the digestive tract).

The role of neurotransmitters

Several neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, play a significant role. While often associated with mood, about 90% of the body's serotonin is located in the gut, where it regulates digestion. Disruptions in serotonin pathways can lead to both headaches (like migraines) and digestive issues.

Gastrointestinal conditions

Various digestive disorders are linked with a higher prevalence of headaches. These include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Studies show a correlation between IBS and migraines, suggesting shared physiological mechanisms.
Celiac Disease: In some individuals, a gluten-free diet has been shown to improve both digestive issues and accompanying headaches.
H. pylori Infection: This common stomach infection is linked to a higher frequency and severity of headaches in some patients, with symptoms improving after treatment.

Comparison of common causes

To help identify the likely cause, here is a comparison of symptoms for some of the most frequent culprits:


Condition	Onset	Headache Type	Stomach Symptoms	Other Symptoms
Migraine	Gradual	Throbbing, often one-sided	Nausea, vomiting	Sensitivity to light/sound, aura
Stomach Flu	Acute	Dull, aching	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps	Fever, body aches, fatigue
Dehydration	Gradual	Dull, can be all over	Nausea, fatigue	Increased thirst, dark urine, dizziness
Food Poisoning	Acute (hours)	Often secondary to illness	Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea	Fever, chills, weakness
Stress/Anxiety	Gradual/episodic	Tension (band-like pressure)	Nausea, indigestion, upset stomach	Insomnia, muscle tension, irritability

What you can do at home

For mild to moderate symptoms that are not related to an emergency, several home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can provide relief:

Hydrate effectively: Sip on clear fluids like water, herbal tea (especially ginger), or an electrolyte-rich sports drink. This is particularly important if you've been vomiting.
Rest in a quiet, dark room: Lying down in a cool, dark place can be especially effective for migraine-related symptoms, helping to reduce sensitivity to light and sound.
Use temperature therapy: A cold compress on your forehead or the back of your neck can help reduce headache pain, while a warm compress on your stomach can ease cramps.
Bland diet: If you're able to eat, stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, crackers, or rice. Avoid spicy or fatty foods that can upset your stomach further.
Ginger: This natural remedy is widely used to combat nausea. You can consume it as a tea, chew on a piece of candied ginger, or sip on real ginger ale.

When to see a doctor

While many episodes resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. It's crucial to know the warning signs of a more serious condition.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

The "worst headache of your life".
Headache accompanied by a stiff neck and fever, which could signal meningitis.
Headache following a head injury.
Confusion, difficulty speaking or walking, or vision problems.
Vomiting for more than 24 hours or signs of severe dehydration.

Schedule a visit with your provider if:

Headaches are worsening or becoming more frequent.
Over-the-counter medications are ineffective.
You develop new or different symptoms.
Your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily activities.

Conclusion

Experiencing a combination of head pain and stomach upset with nausea can be a distressing and disruptive experience. From common triggers like dehydration and stress to underlying conditions such as migraines and gastrointestinal disorders, the causes are varied. By understanding the potential reasons behind your symptoms and learning effective home management strategies, you can find relief. However, always remain vigilant for warning signs that indicate a more serious issue and require immediate medical evaluation. Consulting with a healthcare professional is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.

For more information on digestive health, you can visit the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. Stress and anxiety can trigger tension headaches and, through the brain-gut connection, can cause gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and stomach pain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and good sleep hygiene can often help.

Yes, especially with a migraine. Nausea is one of the most common symptoms associated with migraines. It can also occur with other types of headaches, particularly if they are severe or if an underlying condition like dehydration is present.

Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) is a viral infection, while food poisoning is caused by consuming food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Food poisoning symptoms usually appear much faster, often within hours of eating, while stomach flu symptoms take a bit longer to develop.

Yes, dehydration is a very common cause. When you are dehydrated, your brain tissue can shrink, pulling away from the skull and causing a headache. This lack of fluid can also affect your blood pressure and electrolyte balance, leading to feelings of nausea.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience the worst headache of your life, a stiff neck, high fever, vision changes, confusion, or difficulty walking or speaking. Schedule a regular doctor's visit if your headaches are becoming more frequent, severe, or are not responding to home treatments.

Yes. Food allergies, sensitivities, or consuming trigger foods (common with migraines like aged cheese or processed meats) can cause headaches and digestive upset. Keeping a food diary can help you identify potential triggers.

For mild cases, you can try sipping on ginger tea or a clear electrolyte drink, resting in a dark, quiet room, and applying a cold compress to your head or neck. Staying hydrated is also key.