Migraine is not just a headache, here's the reason for nausea and vomiting often accompanying it.

Illustration of migraine. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - When you get a migraine, you usually don't just experience throbbing head pain. For many people, a migraine attack is also accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

This condition will make sufferers feel uncomfortable and have difficulty in activities. It is known that the symptoms of nausea and vomiting are not rare, but an important part of the clinical picture of migraine.

"Nausea is a common symptom of migraine, so common that it is part of the diagnostic criteria," said migraine specialist professor Roderick Spears, MD, quoted from Everyday Health, Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

However, the form of nausea felt by each migraine sufferer is different. In some sufferers, nausea appears mild in the form of loss of appetite to feel like vomiting.

However, in more severe cases, nausea can be accompanied by cold sweat, dizziness, and vomiting if the migraine attack does not subside quickly.

"They don't want to eat because they feel they will vomit," he added.

Regarding migraine, nausea and vomiting can accompany it, experts have not found the exact cause. However, there is strong evidence that it is related to hormonal and neurotransmitter changes in the body.

Previously, nausea during migraines was often associated with gastric stasis, a condition when the emptying of the stomach contents becomes slower. However, recent research suggests that the mechanism may be more complex and involve the central nervous system, as well as problems with the serotonin and dopamine hormones are also thought to play a major role.

"Serotonin plays a role in the brain during migraine attacks, and there are many serotonin receptors in the gut," he said.

Thus, migraines that are rooted in the nervous system can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. To handle it, it should be part of the overall treatment plan.

Such as the use of triptan drugs can stop migraine attacks while relieving nausea. In addition, there are anti-nausea drugs and gepant drugs that can help reduce migraine symptoms.