A dehydration headache can happen when your body needs more fluid.
Dehydration is a common trigger formigraines.It also can contribute to tension-punch in headaches.
The brain doesn’t have any pain receptors but themeninges, tissues that line the brain, do.
Steve West / Digital Vision / Getty Images
Fluid shifts could affect these sensors, or you may just experience the pain more overall due to dehydration.
These include:
What Does a Dehydration Headache Feel Like?
People can experience dehydration headache pain differently.
Some people may feel a pounding or throbbing.
You’re also likely to experience other dehydration symptoms with your headache.
Diagnosis
Dehydration is diagnosed through a physical exam that includes an assessment of your vital signs.
Drinking 16 to 32 ounces of water should make you feel better within an hour or two.
They provide electrolytes and carbohydrates to help absorb water better, but they’re not always recommended.
Keep in mind that some people may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization for dehydration.
Some useful tips include:
Keep in mind that improved hydration may not prevent headaches.
Talk with your healthcare provider about other strategies for managing headache symptoms.
How Much Water is Recommended for Adults?
Summary
A dehydration headache can be a symptom of your body’s need for additional fluid.
Talk with your healthcare provider about dehydration symptoms.
In almost all cases, treatment involves drinking water to replace fluids.
Some people may benefit from electrolyte drinks, but they’re not always recommended for everyone.
In severe cases, you may need intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
Harvard Health Publishing.Symptoms of dehydration: What they are and what to do if you experience them.
2021;95:104380. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2021.104380
Harvard Health Publishing.Can dehydration cause headaches?
National Headache Foundation.Headache Topic Sheet Triggers/Factors.
Tylenol.com.Headaches: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention.
2018;18(1):1346. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6252-5
Mount Sinai.Dehydration.
TruCentered Chiropractic Care.What does a dehydration geadache feel like?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Headache.
Wu Y, Hallett M.Photophobia in neurologic disorders.Transl Neurodegener.
2017;6:26. doi:10.1186/s40035-017-0095-3
American Migraine Foundation.Relaxation and paced breathing exercises for migraine.
- doi:10.1007/s40279-021-01558-y
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.Dehydration: Giving Liquids at Home.
2024;16(13):2157.
