Back-of-Head Headaches: Causes and Treatment Methods / Migraine as the Most Common Cause of Back-of-Head Headaches and Nausea

Sunday, February 02, 2025  Read time3 min

SAEDNEWS: Back-of-head headaches are often tension-related and generally not dangerous. They can be managed with medication and home remedies like warm or cold compresses. This article explores their causes and treatments.

Back-of-Head Headaches: Causes and Treatment Methods / Migraine as the Most Common Cause of Back-of-Head Headaches and Nausea

According to SaedNews, back-of-head headaches are often associated with tension headaches. These headaches are usually not dangerous and can be well-controlled with medication. Home remedies like warm or cold compresses can also be effective in providing relief. In this article, we explore the causes of back-of-head headaches and ways to treat them.

What Causes Back-of-Head Headaches?

The cause of headaches in the back of the head can be linked to various factors, not all of which are concerning. These headaches may be due to underlying conditions like migraines or result from stress and work pressure. Here we explore some conditions that may cause more concern.

  1. Headache from the Back of the Head to the Forehead Most patients describe tension headaches as a dull pain starting from the back of the head and extending to the forehead. Patients also report muscle tightness in the back of the head, similar to wearing a tight band around the head. The cause can be related to stress, muscle tension, or even an improper head position.
    Migraines can lead to headaches from the back of the head to the eyes and forehead. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting. If you have this condition and want more detailed information, you can visit the DarmanKadeh website and consult with top specialists, including online neurologists. DarmanKadeh also provides an online appointment system for in-person visits with your preferred neurologist.

  2. Headache and Nausea Migraine is the most common cause of back-of-head headaches and nausea. This pain often feels throbbing, and patients may experience sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances, and vomiting. Besides migraines, tension headaches, occipital neuralgia, and cervicogenic headaches can also cause back-of-head headaches accompanied by dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Intracranial pressure (ICP) can be added to these factors. The main causes of increased intracranial pressure include:

    • Brain tumors

    • Head trauma

    • Strokes

    • Subarachnoid hemorrhage

    • Infections like meningitis or encephalitis

  3. Headaches due to increased intracranial pressure are often severe and persistent. This throbbing pain feels like pressure and usually affects a broad area of the head, especially the back. Patients may also experience blurred vision, vision loss, muscle weakness, and decreased consciousness.

  4. Headache After Sleeping Back-of-head headaches after sleeping can have a simple cause: sleeping in an improper position! If you don't have a suitable pillow or place your head in a position that strains the neck muscles, you will likely wake up with a headache. Other possible issues include:

    • Tension headaches

    • Cervicogenic headaches

    • Sleep apnea: Apnea can reduce oxygen levels and disrupt sleep patterns, leading to back-of-head headaches.

    • Teeth grinding: If you grind your teeth, you create tension in the jaw muscles and surrounding areas during sleep, causing headaches that extend to the back of the head.

  5. Headache During Pregnancy Pregnancy involves significant hormonal changes that can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the head and neck, leading to back-of-head headaches. Increased hormone levels, such as estrogen, can affect brain blood flow and neurotransmitter activity. Additionally, pregnant women are at risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure), which can cause severe headaches, swelling, and vision changes.
    Back-of-head headaches during pregnancy can also result from dehydration. To prevent this, drink enough water throughout the day. If you experience persistent or severe headaches during pregnancy, inform your doctor for a thorough evaluation.

  6. Headache After a C-section Many women experience back-of-head headaches after a C-section. These headaches can result from anesthesia, muscle tension, stress, and fatigue. Massage and warm compresses can help reduce them. Some women also experience severe headaches during their menstrual cycle.