It is not uncommon to experience a headache. In fact, most people experience headaches once or more per week. However, if you experience both a headache and nausea, then it could be a sign of a more serious headache, such as a migraine headache. If your headache and nausea just won't go away, then you might have a more serious problem on your hands.

The symptoms of a headache accompanied by nausea often indelicate a more serious problem, such as encephalitis, meningitis, or a brain abscess. Headache and nausea can also indicate internal bleeding at or around the brain. These conditions are serious; some are even deadly. Another effect of experiencing a long-term headache and nausea is that it is likely that you will become dehydrated; thus, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration if you experience headache and nausea.

Headache and Nausea Could Mean Encephalitis

You might be wondering what exactly encephalitis is, and what it entails. Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain usually resulting from a viral infection. Without immediate treatment, encephalitis can be deadly and life threatening. The disease is spread by a virus or in some cases by mosquitoes.

Besides headache and nausea, the symptoms of encephalitis include fever, confusion, sensitivity to light, stiffness in the back and neck, and drowsiness. Sometimes, more severe symptoms can develop; these include tremors, seizures, changes in personality, and even a coma. For treatment, patients are usually hospitalized and given an antiviral medication.

Fighting Meningitis

Meningitis, which can either be bacterial or viral, is when the fluid and tissue surrounding the brain becomes infected. It usually occurs as a result of other illnesses, such as a sinus or ear infection. Other symptoms include dizziness, seizures, changes in vision, and extreme sleepiness. Treatment depends on the severity of the case.

What is a Brain Abscess?

A brain abscess is a pocket of infection that develops in the brain. They are extremely rare, and they are usually caused by the spread of infection from another area or a deep head wound. Weakness, fever, and chills are other characteristics of a brain abscess. A brain abscess is treated by medication and, on occasion, surgery.

Due to the severity of these three conditions, it is important to monitor the deadly combination of a headache and nausea should you experience it. If it lasts for longer than a week, you should see your doctor to determine what the next course of action should be - doing so could save your life.