What should you know about headache vomiting blood?

Vomited blood may be bright red, dark, or resemble coffee grounds. It can come from the oesophagus, stomach, or upper digestive tract, including irritation, an ulcer, medicines that affect bleeding, or a tear after repeated retching. A headache may occur alongside dehydration, blood loss, infection, migraine-related vomiting, or a separate neurological problem. The symptom combination does not identify one diagnosis by itself. [Oesophageal Cancer](/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/) and [Stomach Cancer](/conditions/stomach-cancer/) are possible causes of upper digestive bleeding, but many non-cancer causes also need consideration.

If you are vomiting blood now, contact emergency services or go to an emergency department; do not drive yourself if you feel faint or confused. Keep a sample or photo if safe, and note the colour and amount, when it began, and whether stools are black or tar-like. Take your medicine list, especially blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory pain medicines. Do not eat or drink large amounts while waiting for urgent advice unless emergency clinicians tell you to do so.

Call emergency services immediately for fainting, severe weakness, confusion, cold or clammy skin, rapid breathing, severe abdominal pain, black stools, repeated blood-filled vomiting, or a sudden severe headache. New trouble speaking, vision loss, one-sided weakness, seizure, or a stiff neck also requires emergency care. Even a small amount of blood needs prompt clinical guidance because bleeding can worsen or recur.

When did the bleeding start, and what did it look like? Have you had retching, abdominal pain, black stools, dizziness, or weight change? Which medicines and supplements do you take? Have you had previous ulcers, liver disease, or digestive symptoms?