What does a dehydration headache feel like?
Pain from a dehydration headache can range from mild to severe. You may feel pain all over your head or in just one spot, such as the back, front or side. The pain is usually like a dull ache, but it can also be sharp.
You may have a throbbing (pounding) headache, or the pain might be constant. The pain might get worse when you bend over, shake your head or move around.
Other dehydration symptoms usually occur along with headache pain. These include:
- Dark urine (pee) and a decreased need to urinate.
- Dizziness and confusion.
- Dry mouth.
- Fatigue.
- Heat cramps (muscle cramps).
- Loss of appetite.
- Passing out or fainting (syncope). This happens in severe cases of dehydration.
- Intense thirst (although you may not feel thirsty at all).
- If your child has a headache along with signs of dehydration, call your healthcare provider right away. Symptoms of dehydration in babies and children include fewer trips to the bathroom (or fewer wet diapers), pale skin and weakness or lethargy. It’s essential to get medical help immediately.
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What is dehydration?
Your body is mostly made of water. It’s in your blood, organs, soft tissues and bones. When you sweat and urinate, your body loses fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help your body work like it should.
Dehydration happens when the amount of fluid that’s leaving your body (in sweat and urine) is more than the amount of fluid you’re taking in. Dehydration can be dangerous because it means your body isn’t getting the fluids it needs.
Dehydration can result from:
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- Lack of adequate water intake.
- Drinking too much alcohol, which can cause a hangover.
- Heavy sweating from exercise, physical activity or heat. Exercising in higher altitudes also increases the risk of dehydration.
- Some medications, such as diuretics (water pills) to treat heart failure and other conditions. Water pills help your body get rid of excess fluid and salt.
What causes a dehydration headache?
When you’re dehydrated, your brain and other tissues in your body shrink (contract). As your brain shrinks, it pulls away from the skull, puts pressure on nerves and causes pain.
Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache. When you drink water and other fluids, the brain plumps up to its previous size and the pain goes away.
