Throwing Up From A Migraine: Why It Happens & How to Find Relief

Migraines can be debilitating, but when nausea and vomiting come into play, they become even more overwhelming. If you've ever experienced throwing up from a migraine, you're not alone. Many migraine sufferers find that nausea is one of the most distressing symptoms, sometimes even leading to relief after vomiting. But why does this happen, and how can you manage it effectively?

In this article, we'll explore the connection between migraine throwing-up symptoms, what causes them, and the best ways to find relief—both immediately and in the long term.

Can Migraines Make You Throw Up?

Yes, migraines can absolutely cause nausea and vomiting. In fact, digestive issues are common among migraine sufferers, with some people experiencing nausea even before the headache begins. While not everyone who has migraines will vomit, for those who do, it can be both frustrating and exhausting.

For some, vomiting can provide temporary relief, while for others, it simply adds to the misery. Understanding why migraines lead to nausea can help you take steps to manage this symptom more effectively.

Why Do Migraines Make You Throw Up?

The link between migraines and nausea comes down to how migraines affect the brain and nervous system. During a migraine attack, certain areas of the brainstem and the autonomic nervous system become overstimulated. This can lead to nausea, slowed digestion, and even vomiting.

Another factor is gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties more slowly than usual. Many migraine sufferers experience this, which can worsen nausea and make it harder for medications to work. Additionally, an imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin plays a role in migraine-related nausea.

How Common Is Vomiting with Migraines?

Nausea is reported in about 60-95% of migraine sufferers, while actual vomiting occurs in 30-50% of cases. The severity of nausea varies from mild discomfort to intense sickness that leads to repeated vomiting.

People who experience migraine with aura are more likely to have nausea and vomiting than those without aura. If your migraines frequently cause nausea, finding an effective way to manage this symptom is crucial.

Causes of Nausea and Vomiting During a Migraine

Several factors contribute to nausea and vomiting during migraines:

• Brainstem Involvement: The migraine process affects areas of the brain that regulate nausea and vomiting.

• Delayed Stomach Emptying: Food stays in the stomach longer, leading to discomfort and nausea.

• Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in estrogen levels, especially in women, can increase nausea sensitivity.

• Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalance: Migraines can make it difficult to stay hydrated, worsening nausea.

• Sensory Sensitivity: Light, sound, and smell sensitivity can intensify nausea.

How to Prevent Throwing Up from a Migraine

While there’s no guaranteed way to stop migraine throwing-up symptoms completely, certain strategies can reduce your chances of experiencing nausea and vomiting:

• Identify Triggers: Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and dehydration. Avoiding these can help prevent nausea.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make migraines worse, so drinking water throughout the day can be beneficial.

• Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Avoiding large meals and focusing on easily digestible foods can reduce nausea.

• Manage Stress: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and hypnosis for chronic pain management can help regulate stress, which is a major migraine trigger.

• Consider Preventative Treatments: Some migraine sufferers benefit from prescription medications that help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Home Remedies for Throwing Up Migraine Headache

If you're already experiencing a throwing-up migraine headache, try these remedies to ease your discomfort:

1. Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room – Sensory stimuli can worsen nausea, so finding a calm space can be helpful.

2. Use Cold Compresses – Applying a cold pack to your forehead or the back of your neck can provide relief.

3. Sip Ginger Tea – Ginger is a natural remedy known to help with nausea.

4. Try Acupressure – Pressing on the P6 (Nei Guan) point on your wrist may help alleviate nausea.

5. Use Relaxation Techniques – Methods like breathing exercises, guided meditation, or natural pain management approaches such as hypnosis may help ease migraine symptoms without medication.

When to Seek Medical Help for Migraine Nausea

Most migraine-related nausea and vomiting can be managed at home, but in some cases, medical intervention is necessary. You should see a doctor if:

• Your vomiting is persistent and leads to dehydration.

• You experience new or severe migraine symptoms that don’t improve.

• Your migraines are becoming more frequent or intense.

• Over-the-counter medications aren’t providing relief.

In some cases, prescription anti-nausea medications or stronger migraine treatments may be needed to prevent vomiting and other severe symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is it normal to throw up from a migraine?

  Yes, vomiting is a common symptom of migraines, affecting nearly half of migraine sufferers. It happens due to changes in brain activity and slowed digestion during an attack.

• What is the final stage of a migraine?

  The last phase of a migraine is called the postdrome phase, sometimes referred to as a “migraine hangover.” During this stage, you may feel exhausted, confused, or generally unwell for up to 24 hours after the headache subsides.

• Should I go to the ER for migraine and vomiting?

  If you’re unable to keep fluids down, experiencing severe dehydration, or have neurological symptoms (such as vision loss or slurred speech), seek medical attention immediately.

• How do you recover from a migraine vomiting?

  After vomiting, focus on rehydration with electrolyte drinks or small sips of water. Resting in a dark, quiet room and trying gentle nausea remedies like ginger tea can also help speed up recovery.

Migraine throwing-up symptoms can be incredibly frustrating, but understanding why they happen is the first step toward managing them.

If you're seeking quick relief from migraine headaches without medication, consider exploring self-hypnosis techniques with the Reveri app—a science-backed, side-effect-free approach to pain relief.