What does nausea feel like with migraine?

Migraine-related nausea can occur before head pain, during it, or as the headache settles. Smells, light, movement, and food may become harder to tolerate. Some people lose their appetite or feel full after only a small amount. Vomiting can happen, but nausea does not always lead to vomiting. The feeling often appears alongside throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light or sound, visual changes, or dizziness.

Rest in a quiet, dim room and take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Avoid strong smells and heavy meals; bland foods may be easier when appetite returns. Follow the migraine treatment plan prescribed for you, taking medicines as directed and asking a pharmacist before adding an over-the-counter product.

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden, severe headache, new weakness, confusion, fainting, trouble speaking, a stiff neck with fever, or repeated vomiting that prevents fluids staying down. Arrange medical review if nausea is new, keeps returning, changes your usual migraine pattern, or leaves you dehydrated.

Ask whether your nausea fits your usual migraine pattern, which early treatment is suitable, and how to manage medicines if you vomit. Tell your doctor when the nausea begins, what triggers it, whether you have visual or balance symptoms, and how much fluid you can drink.