Nausea and Vomiting in IIH

Understanding GI symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure

⚠️ Important Note

Severe or persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, or experience signs of dehydration, seek medical attention promptly.

Quick Overview

Nausea and vomiting are common in IIH and happen because increased pressure in your skull affects the brain areas that control these sensations. These symptoms can range from mild queasiness to severe vomiting that impacts your nutrition and ability to take medications.

What It Feels Like

Nausea from IIH can be constant queasiness, waves that come and go, or sudden overwhelming urges to vomit. It often comes with headaches and can be triggered by movement, certain smells, or even thinking about food.

🤢 Nausea Patterns

  • Morning nausea - Worse after lying flat
  • With headaches - Often occur together
  • Constant queasiness - Low-level all day
  • Wave-like - Comes and goes
  • Position-related - Worse bending over

🤮 Vomiting Characteristics

  • Projectile vomiting - Sudden and forceful
  • Without warning - Little nausea beforehand
  • Morning vomiting - Upon waking
  • After position changes
  • May provide temporary relief - Pressure release

🍽️ Appetite Changes

  • Loss of appetite - Food aversion
  • Early satiety - Full quickly
  • Food triggers - Certain smells/tastes
  • Fear of eating - Worried about vomiting
  • Weight changes - Loss or gain

😰 Impact on Life

  • Social isolation - Fear of vomiting in public
  • Work/school absence
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Dehydration risk
  • Medication challenges - Hard to keep down

Why This Happens in IIH

The Brain-Gut Connection:

When pressure builds up in your skull, it can affect the "vomiting center" in your brainstem and irritate the vagus nerve that controls stomach function. Severe headaches naturally trigger nausea, balance problems can make you feel sick, and some IIH medications can cause stomach upset. Stress and anxiety about symptoms can make nausea worse.

Management Strategies

💊 Medical Management

  • Anti-nausea medications (antiemetics)
  • Timing medications with food
  • Alternative medication forms (patches, suppositories)
  • Adjusting IIH medications if causing nausea
  • IV fluids for severe dehydration

🥗 Dietary Strategies

  • Small, frequent meals
  • Bland foods (BRAT diet)
  • Cold foods often better tolerated
  • Avoid triggers (fatty, spicy, strong smells)
  • Eat sitting up, stay upright after

🌿 Natural Remedies

  • Ginger (tea, candies, supplements)
  • Peppermint tea or aromatherapy
  • Acupressure bands (P6 point)
  • Fresh air and cool temperatures
  • Deep breathing exercises

Hydration Management

💧 Staying Hydrated:

  • Sip slowly - Small amounts frequently
  • Clear liquids - Water, broth, electrolyte drinks
  • Ice chips or popsicles - Sometimes better tolerated
  • Room temperature fluids - May be easier than cold
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol - Can worsen dehydration
  • Track intake - Ensure adequate hydration

Food Strategies

Foods That May Help Foods to Avoid
Plain crackers or toast Greasy or fried foods
White rice or pasta Spicy foods
Bananas Strong-smelling foods
Clear soups or broth Dairy (if triggering)
Applesauce Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes)
Plain chicken or turkey Very sweet foods

When to Seek Immediate Help

🚨 Go to Emergency Room or Call Doctor For:

  • Persistent vomiting - Can't keep fluids down for 24+ hours
  • Signs of dehydration - Dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness
  • Blood in vomit - Red blood or coffee-ground appearance
  • Severe abdominal pain - Especially if constant
  • High fever with vomiting - Could indicate infection
  • Confusion or severe lethargy - May indicate serious dehydration
  • Unable to take critical medications - Especially important IIH treatments

Coping with Daily Life

🏠 At Home

  • Keep supplies handy - Emesis bags, tissues
  • Prepare bland foods in advance
  • Good ventilation - Reduce odors
  • Rest after eating - But stay upright
  • Track symptoms - Identify patterns

🚗 Out and About

  • Carry emergency kit - Bags, wipes, water
  • Know bathroom locations
  • Sit near exits - Quick access if needed
  • Bring safe snacks
  • Inform companions - So they can help

Medication Tips

Taking Medications with Nausea:

  • Take with crackers - Small amount of bland food
  • Try different times - Find when stomach is calmest
  • Ask about alternatives - Patches, liquids, suppositories
  • Anti-nausea first - Take 30 minutes before other meds
  • Stay upright - 30 minutes after taking
  • Cool water - May help pills go down easier

Psychological Impact

💙 Emotional Support:

  • Anxiety about vomiting - Common and understandable
  • Social anxiety - Fear of symptoms in public
  • Depression - From chronic symptoms
  • Counseling can help - Coping strategies
  • Support groups - Others understand
  • Relaxation techniques - Can reduce nausea

Long-term Management

📊 Monitoring

  • Keep symptom diary
  • Track weight changes
  • Note food triggers
  • Monitor hydration
  • Review with doctor regularly

🎯 Goals

  • Maintain nutrition
  • Prevent dehydration
  • Take medications consistently
  • Improve quality of life
  • Reduce emergency visits

✨ Hope

  • Often improves with IIH treatment
  • Many find effective strategies
  • New medications available
  • Not alone in this struggle
  • Can still enjoy food again

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • It's treatable - Many strategies and medications can help manage nausea and vomiting
  • Small steps matter - Even keeping small amounts of fluid down is progress
  • Often improves with IIH treatment - Managing brain pressure frequently reduces symptoms
  • Prevention is key - Anti-nausea medications work better when taken before symptoms start
  • Hydration is critical - Even if you can't eat, try to sip fluids regularly
  • Don't suffer alone - Healthcare providers have many tools to help
  • It will get better - Most people find effective management strategies