Why does migraine cause vomiting?

Vomiting is a common presentation of Migraine. Migraine changes signalling in parts of the nervous system that process pain, motion and nausea. When those pathways are highly active, nausea can build and lead to vomiting, particularly if movement, light, smell or pain makes the attack more intense.

Vomiting can make an attack harder to manage because fluid is lost and oral medicines may not stay down. It is still important not to assume vomiting has one cause: stomach infections, medicines, pregnancy and other conditions can also be responsible.

After vomiting, rest on your side or sit upright if that feels safer. Once you can, take tiny sips of water or another tolerated fluid at regular intervals. Avoid driving or tasks that need steady balance. Follow any prescribed migraine or anti-nausea treatment plan, and contact the prescriber if vomiting prevents you from using it.

When the episode settles, a small amount of bland food may be easier than a full meal. Note the onset of vomiting, headache features, possible triggers and medicines used; this can make future management more specific.

Seek urgent medical assessment for vomiting with a sudden severe headache, confusion, new weakness, trouble speaking, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, head injury, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit, or black vomit. Get prompt help if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, faint, or become markedly drowsy.

Arrange a review when vomiting is new, repeatedly accompanies migraine, differs from your usual attacks, or makes your treatment plan difficult to use. A clinician can assess the pattern and discuss alternatives.

Ask which treatment form may be practical when you are vomiting, how to recognise dehydration, and whether you need a separate anti-nausea medicine. Bring the dates of recent attacks and a list of everything you took for them.