Symptom Combination

Headache and Vomiting: Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor

Headache with vomiting suggests increased intracranial pressure — meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertensive emergency, brain tumor, or idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The vomiting reflects activation of the vomiting center in the medulla via vagal afferents from the meninges or by direct ICP-mediated trigger.

→ Headache Overview → Vomiting Overview

Possible Causes of Headache and Vomiting

Conditions that commonly cause both symptoms together

1Subarachnoid hemorrhage: thunderclap headache + vomiting
2Bacterial meningitis: progressive headache + vomiting + fever + neck stiffness
3Increased intracranial pressure from any mass lesion
4Migraine with nausea and vomiting
5Hypertensive crisis with Cushing response (headache + vomiting + bradycardia)

Emergency Red Flags

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these

Thunderclap headache + vomiting — subarachnoid hemorrhage until proven otherwise

Worsening headache over days with projectile vomiting (ICP)

Morning headaches that are worst on waking with vomiting (mass lesion)

Sixth nerve palsy or papilloedema with headache + vomiting

Neck stiffness + photophobia + headache + vomiting (meningitis)

When to See a Doctor

Schedule a medical consultation if you notice these signs

CT head non-contrast immediately for thunderclap headache + vomiting

LP if CT negative and SAH is suspected (xanthochromia)

Blood pressure measurement — hypertensive emergency must be treated

Ophthalmoscopy to assess for papilloedema

Conditions That Cause Both Headache and Vomiting

9 conditions are associated with this symptom combination

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last 4â€“72 hours and significantly impair daily functioning.

Brain tumors can be primary (arising in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from elsewhere). Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, causing headaches, seizures, and progressive neurological deficits.

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency causing severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and potentially fatal if untreated.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most commonly caused by viral infections (herpes simplex, enteroviruses). It presents with fever, altered consciousness, seizures, and focal neurological deficits; early antiviral treatment is crucial.

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, causing cyclical fever, chills, and anemia. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form; artemisinin-based combination therapy is the first-line treatment.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe form with bleeding and organ impairment.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by viruses. Less severe than bacterial meningitis, most cases resolve without specific treatment.

Salmonella Infection

Salmonellosis is a common bacterial food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps beginning 12-72 hours after infection.

Explore Individual Symptoms

In-depth pages for each symptom in this combination

Headache — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Vomiting — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Medical Questions About Headache and Vomiting

Evidence-based answers from medical experts

Early Signs of Migraine How to Manage Migraine Early Signs of Brain Tumor How to Manage Brain Tumor Early Signs of Meningitis How to Manage Meningitis Early Signs of Encephalitis How to Manage Encephalitis

Clinical Matches — Authority Pages

Condition-level differential and comparison resources for this combination

⚠ Dangerous — Rule Out First:

Differential analyses:

🔬Meningitis: differential →🔬Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: differential →🔬Encephalitis: differential →

Condition comparisons:

⇄Meningitis vs Migraine →⇄Encephalitis vs Meningitis →

Experiencing Headache and Vomiting?

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