Do You Suffer From Dehydration Headaches?

August 31, 2018

Headaches are tough. They just make everything else so much harder to do, especially if you’re having constant headaches everyday.

Fortunately, some causes of everyday headaches are relatively simply to prevent and treat, like dehydration headaches.

So, if you’re suffering from persistent headaches, your fluid intake may be the culprit.

headache

Lack of Water

When your body lacks fluids, you become dehydrated. According to Jenna Fletcher, this can cause your brain shrink and move away from your skull, which leads to a dehydration headache.

To treat dehydration headaches, drink more, get more electrolytes, and avoid physical activity and heat for a bit, says Fletcher. Enjoying our lush landscape setting can be very tempting, but if your head is blasting, make sure to find a shady spot.

It can take some time for the headache to go away, which causes people to feel that the dehydration headache won’t go away. So take preventative measures and stay hydrated to avoid dehydration headaches in the first place.¹

Warning Signs

Consistent headaches can also be a sign of something more serious. So drinking more may not always be the solution.

The Mayo Clinic suggests you see a doctor if any of these symptoms are present:

2 or more headaches a week
They are disabling
Changes in headache patterns
They get worse
You use a pain reliever for headaches on most days
The recommended dose of pain relievers doesn’t work for you

More serious signs include sudden and severe headaches; headaches after head injuries; other conditions alongside the headache, like confusion, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, stiff neck, fever, double vision, or a seizure; headaches that get worse after taking medication and resting. So if any of these apply to you, get medical care right away.²