Some of the more effective treatments include prescription antiemetics, ginger, peppermint oil, and acupressure.
Migraines may also be prevented with lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and the avoidance ofmigraine triggers.
This article discusses the causes of nausea with migraines.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Why Do Migraines Cause Nausea?
The underlying cause of migraines is poorly understood as is the cause of migraine-related nausea.
However, there are theories as to why migraine triggers nausea in some people.
This may or may not be followed by violent contractions of the stomach and esophageal muscles resulting in vomiting.
The activation of the trigeminal nerve may also cause the sudden dilation of blood vessels servicing theinner ear.
The disruption of the system can lead tovertigo(spinning sensations) and the onset of nausea.
Vestibular migraines are poorly understood but are thought to be associated with certain inherited genetic mutations.
Vertigo is a common cause of nausea as it inducesmotion sickness.
Vestibular migraines affect females more than males.
This can provide relief from the uncomfortable sensation of nausea.
Childhood migraines, on the other hand, may involveonlynausea and vomiting.
In fact, children often do not have headaches or other migraine symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Therapies
Over-the-counter (OTC) therapies can help ease nausea.
Motion sickness drugs usually work better for migraine-related nausea than OTC treatments typically used for stomach issues.
When you have nausea, it can be a challenge to take medication by mouth.
Strategize the best way to take your migraine medications.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Alternative therapies can also be beneficial for migraine symptoms, including nausea.
Ginger
Ginger is a common natural treatment for nausea.
It involves the use of pressure points to relieve health problems.
There is evidence that stimulating acupressure point PC6 on the forearm can decrease migraine-related nausea.
To find this point, position your arm with the palm facing you.
Place three fingers horizontally at the base of your palm.
Just below your fingers, feel for the two tendons in the center of your forearm.
The PC6 pressure point is in the middle of those two tendons.
A Sea-Band is a wristband that puts continuous pressure on this acupressure point.
Try using one on each wrist to help relieve nausea during a migraine attack.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves inhaling concentrated essential oils.
It is generally considered safe, but studies supporting its effectiveness are limited.
Popular oils used for migraine-related nausea includelavender oiland eucalyptus oil.
So far the data is not clear regarding its effect on migraine-associated nausea.
Even so, some research suggests that cannabis may help reduce migraine attacks.
There are currently no guidelines for the appropriate use of cannabis or CBD in the treatment of migraines.
There may be legal consequences of using cannabis or cannabis-derived CBD in states where it is prohibited.
Alternative therapies pose different safety concerns.
Always ask your doctor before trying any alternative treatment for your migraine-related nausea.
Fortunately, there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help with this distressing symptom.
Simple home remedies like staying hydrated and applying ice can be helpful, too.
Some people also get relief from alternative medicine therapies like acupressure or aromatherapy.
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