Why You Feel Headache and Nausea Together & When to See an Online Doctor

Feeling a headache and nausea at the same time can be unsettling. You may be wondering if it’s something serious or a passing issue that will go away on its own.

The good news is that in most cases, these symptoms are connected to common causes like dehydration, stress, or a viral infection. But sometimes, they can signal something that needs medical attention.

If your headache and nausea feel unusual or worrying, you can speak with an Australian-registered GP online through Telehealth Dr. A quick consultation helps you understand what your symptoms mean and what to do next.

Let’s break down why headaches and nausea happen together, what causes them, and when you should see a doctor.

What “Headache and Nausea” Usually Mean:

Headache and nausea often occur together because your brain, nerves, and digestive system are closely connected. When something affects one system, it can trigger a response in the other.

For example:

• Migraines activate nerve pathways that cause both head pain and stomach upset
• Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain and slows digestion
• Viral infections cause inflammation that affects your whole body

Mild symptoms:

• Headache after skipping meals or not drinking enough water
• Mild nausea with a tension headache
• Symptoms that improve with rest and fluids

Serious symptoms:

• Sudden, severe headache with vomiting
• Stiff neck or high fever
• Symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
• Blurred vision or confusion

Common Causes of Headache and Nausea:

Migraine

Migraine are one of the most common reasons Australians experience headache and nausea together. It’s not just a bad headache; it’s a neurological condition that affects how your brain processes pain and sensory information.

Signs of migraine:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms that last 4 to 72 hours

Stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep can trigger migraines.

Viral Infections:

When you’re fighting a viral infection, your body’s immune response can cause headache, nausea and fatigue all at once. This includes common illnesses like the flu, colds, and COVID-19.

Common symptoms:

• Fever and chills
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Tiredness

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to a viral illness, our GPs can review your condition online and guide you safely.

Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalance

Australia’s hot weather and long working days make dehydration a very common cause of headache and nausea. When your body loses too much fluid, your brain can temporarily shrink, pulling on pain-sensitive membranes.

Signs of dehydration:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Dark urine
• Feeling weak or tired

Drinking water and taking electrolyte solutions can help quickly.

Low Blood Sugar or Skipping Meals

If you skip breakfast or go too long without eating, your blood sugar drops. This can lead to tired, headaches and nausea, especially in the morning or during busy work shifts.

What you might feel:

• Shakiness
• Lightheadedness
• Trouble concentrating

Eating small, regular meals throughout the day helps prevent this.

Sinus Pressure & Congestion

Sinus headaches happen when your sinuses become blocked due to infection, allergies, or a cold. The pressure builds up behind your eyes and forehead, and the mucus drainage can cause nausea.

Common signs:

• Pain around your forehead, cheeks, or eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Thick nasal discharge

Food Poisoning & Gastroenteritis

Food poisoning and stomach viruses (gastroenteritis) cause sudden nausea and headache, often within hours of eating contaminated food or being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms include:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Most cases improve within 24 to 48 hours with rest and fluids.

If you need medication to manage your symptoms, our online GPs can assess your condition and send prescriptions directly to your local chemist.

Stress, Fatigue & Sleep Deprivation

Stress and poor sleep are very common causes of headache and nausea in Australian workers. Tension headaches develop when the muscles in your neck and scalp tighten, and stress can also upset your stomach.

You might notice:

• Dull, aching head pain
• Tightness across your forehead
• Feeling nauseous without vomiting

Taking breaks, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help.

Pregnancy-Related Causes

If you’re pregnant, waking up with a headache and nausea is common, especially in the first trimester. Hormonal changes, low blood sugar, and dehydration all contribute.

Early pregnancy signs:

• Morning sickness (nausea that may last all day)
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to smells

If your symptoms feel severe or you’re concerned, speaking with a GP online can give you reassurance and advice.

What Headache and Nausea Feel Like:

Pain Locations

Where you feel the pain can give clues about the cause:

• Forehead and temples: Often linked to tension headaches or sinus issues
• One side of the head: Common with migraines
• Back of the head: May be related to neck strain or cervicogenic headache
• Behind the eyes: Usually sinus pressure or migraine

Nausea Patterns

Nausea can happen at different times depending on the cause:

• Early morning: Pregnancy, low blood sugar, or dehydration
• After eating: Food poisoning or gastroenteritis
• With movement: Inner ear issues or motion sickness
• During headache: Migraine or severe tension headache

Red-Flag Combinations You Should Never Ignore

Some combinations of headache and nausea need urgent medical attention:

• Fever and stiff neck: Could be meningitis
• Sudden, severe headache: Possible stroke or brain bleed
• Vision changes or confusion: Needs immediate assessment
• Vomiting that won’t stop: Risk of severe dehydration

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency care or call 000.

When These Symptoms Are Serious

Meningitis Warning Signs

Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes around your brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms can include headache and nausea, but warning signs include:

• Stiff neck
• High fever
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or drowsiness

This is a medical emergency. Call 000 if you suspect meningitis.

Severe Dehydration Signs

If dehydration becomes severe, symptoms can worsen quickly:

• Little or no urination
• Extreme dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion

Severe dehydration needs medical treatment, sometimes with IV fluids.

Pregnancy Complications

If you’re pregnant and experience headache, nausea and dizziness, especially after 20 weeks, it could be pre-eclampsia — a serious condition that affects blood pressure.

Warning signs:

• Sudden swelling in your face or hands
• Blurred vision
• Upper stomach pain

Contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Persistent Headache for 48+ Hours

If your headache and nausea last more than two days and don’t improve with rest, fluids, or pain relief, it’s time to speak with a GP.

If these symptoms worry you, you can book an online GP consultation through TelehealthDr for a safe assessment.

At-Home Relief for Headache and Nausea

Hydration & Electrolytes

Drink water regularly throughout the day. If you’re dehydrated, oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks with electrolytes can help you recover faster.

Rest in a Quiet, Dark Room

Lying down in a cool, dark, quiet space can ease migraine symptoms and help your body recover from stress or fatigue.

Light Meals & Ginger or Peppermint

If you feel nauseous, try:

• Small, bland meals (toast, crackers, rice)
• Ginger tea or ginger biscuits
• Peppermint tea

Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.

Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (When Safe)

Over-the-counter pain relief can help with headaches and nausea. Always follow the dosage instructions, and avoid taking them on an empty stomach if possible.

If you’re unsure which medication is safe for you, our online GPs can advise.

Treatment Options:

Online GP Consultation for Diagnosis

If your symptoms don’t improve with home care, an online consultation helps you get a proper diagnosis without leaving home. Our Australian-registered GPs can assess your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and recommend next steps.

When Blood Tests or Imaging May Be Required

In some cases, your doctor may recommend pathology tests or imaging (like a CT scan) to rule out serious causes. TelehealthDr can provide pathology referrals if needed.

Medication Review or Prescription Adjustments

If you’re already taking medication, your symptoms could be a side effect. Our GPs can review your prescriptions and suggest changes if needed.

If your symptoms are affecting your work or study, you can request an online medical certificate through Telehealth Dr. Our doctors issue valid certificates within minutes after your consultation.

Telehealth Dr Supports

Online GP Consultations Anywhere in Australia

Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or a remote area, you can speak with a fully qualified Australian GP from home. Consultations are private, secure, and convenient.

Online Prescriptions Sent to Your Local Chemist

If you need medication, our GPs can send prescriptions directly to your chosen pharmacy. You can pick up your medicine the same day.

Online Medical Certificates for Work or Study

If headache and nausea are stopping you from working or attending class, we can issue a medical certificate during your consultation.

Pathology Referrals

If your doctor recommends blood tests or other pathology, we can send referrals to Australian pathology labs near you.

FAQs 

What can cause a headache and nausea at the same time?

Common causes include migraine, dehydration, viral infections, low blood sugar, stress, sinus pressure, food poisoning, and pregnancy. In rare cases, it may signal meningitis or pre-eclampsia.

When should I worry about headaches and nausea?

See a doctor if you experience a sudden, severe headache, stiff neck, high fever, vision changes, confusion, or symptoms lasting more than 48 hours.

Can dehydration cause nausea and headache?

Yes. Dehydration reduces blood flow to the brain and slows digestion, which can cause both headache and nausea. Drinking water and electrolytes usually helps quickly.

Why do I wake up with a headache and nausea?

Waking up with these symptoms can be caused by dehydration overnight, low blood sugar, sleep apnoea, pregnancy, or tension from poor sleep posture.

Is headache and nausea a sign of pregnancy?

Yes, especially in early pregnancy. Hormonal changes and morning sickness often cause headache, nausea and fatigue together during the first trimester.

How long do these symptoms normally last?

Mild cases improve within a few hours to a day with rest and fluids. If symptoms last more than 48 hours, see a GP for assessment.

Summary:

Headache and nausea often happen together due to common causes like dehydration, stress, migraines, or viral infections. Most cases improve with rest, fluids, and simple care at home.

But if your symptoms feel unusual, last more than two days, or include warning signs like fever, stiff neck, or vision changes, it’s important to get medical advice.

You don’t need to visit a clinic. TelehealthDr makes it easy to speak with an Australian-registered GP online, get prescriptions sent to your local chemist, and request medical certificates if you need time off work or study.

Speak with an Australian-registered online GP through TelehealthDr for personalised medical advice. Book your consultation today, it’s quick, private, and available anywhere in Australia.