What should you know about gastric headache?

Nausea, reduced appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea can leave you dehydrated, which may trigger head pain. Fever and body aches can occur with a common cold, COVID-19 or dengue fever. Heat exhaustion can also cause headache with thirst, weakness and heavy sweating. Nasal congestion and facial pressure may point toward allergic rhinitis or chronic sinusitis, while persistent worry and muscle tension may accompany generalised anxiety disorder. The timing, associated symptoms and recent exposure matter more than the label gastric headache.

Rest in a cool, quiet place and take frequent small sips of fluid if you can keep them down. Eat light foods when ready and avoid alcohol. Follow medicine labels and ask a pharmacist if vomiting, dehydration, pregnancy or other health conditions affect your options. Note temperature, pain location, triggers and associated stomach symptoms so a clinician can assess the pattern.

Seek urgent care for a sudden severe headache, confusion, fainting, stiff neck, weakness, trouble speaking, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, blood, or inability to drink. Get prompt advice for fever with a severe headache, a new headache after heat exposure, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling.

Ask whether dehydration, infection, sinus symptoms or a primary headache pattern best fits your symptoms, which fluids or medicines are suitable, and whether you need examination or testing.