Causes of Dizziness and Headaches

Experiencing dizziness alongside headaches can be concerning. It’s important to note that various health disorders may cause the presence of these symptoms simultaneously. Below are some detailed explanations regarding the causes of headaches:

Migraine

Individuals suffering from migraines, also known as migraine headaches (in English: Migraine), often experience a pulsating or throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head. This pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, vision disturbances, sensitivity to sound and light, as well as nausea and vomiting. Notably, the likelihood of experiencing dizziness increases when a person suffers from a migraine accompanied by aura (in English: Aura). Additionally, migraine attacks can last from several hours to days, potentially disrupting daily activities if the pain is severe.

Bacterial and Viral Infections

Certain types of bacterial and viral infections can lead to both dizziness and headaches. This can be attributed to the body’s exhaustion while fighting off the infection or due to the use of specific medications aimed at treating conditions like the common cold (in English: Common cold) and severe nasal congestion. Below are some infections that may result in both symptoms:

Influenza
Common colds
Pneumonia
Ear infections
Sinus infections (in English: Sinus infections)
Strep throat (in English: Strep throat)

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (in English: Traumatic brain injury), abbreviated as TBI, occurs due to direct injuries to the brain, which may arise from contact sports, falls to the head, or automobile accidents. Symptoms of dizziness and headaches are common following such injuries. Additional accompanying symptoms may include:

Fatigue
Loss of consciousness
Memory loss or amnesia (in English: Amnesia)
Vision disturbances
Sleep disorders
Confusion or disorientation
Poor attention and concentration
Feelings of depression
Emotional disturbances
Vomiting
Seizures (in English: Seizures)

Dehydration

Dehydration (in English: Dehydration) occurs when the body fails to receive an adequate amount of water needed for normal function. Causes of dehydration may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, fever, inadequate fluid intake, or excessive urination due to certain medical conditions or medications. Symptoms of dehydration can include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Dark urine with a strong odor
Dry mouth, lips, and eyes

Low Blood Sugar

The occurrence of dizziness along with headaches may indicate low blood sugar levels (in English: Hypoglycemia), which typically happens several hours after eating. Although symptoms can vary among individuals, people often become familiar with their unique signs over time. Initial symptoms accompanying low blood sugar may include:

Tingling or numbness in the lips
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Hunger
Pale skin
Trembling or shaking
Rapid heart rate or palpitations (in English: Palpitations)
Mood swings such as irritability, anxiety, or crying

Anemia

Anemia (in English: Anemia) is characterized by a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport to the body’s tissues. Both headaches and dizziness are common symptoms of anemia. The symptoms can differ depending on the underlying cause; chronic illnesses may mask anemia symptoms, which may only become apparent through routine tests for other health issues. In some instances, anemia may present no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

General fatigue
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Pale or yellowish skin
Cold extremities
Shortness of breath

Medication Side Effects

Dizziness and headaches are common side effects of many medications, especially when first initiating treatment. Most side effects typically manifest during the first few weeks of use. If these side effects persist, consulting a healthcare provider about the possibility of changing the medication or adjusting the prescribed dosage is advisable. It is crucial not to discontinue any medication without first consulting a physician. Some medications associated with headaches and dizziness as side effects include:

Sedatives (in English: Sedatives)
Antidepressants (in English: Antidepressants)
Medications for erectile dysfunction (in English: Erectile dysfunction)
Blood pressure medications
Antibiotics (in English: Antibiotics)
Birth control pills (in English: Birth control pills)
Certain pain relievers

Anxiety

Anxiety (in English: Anxiety) represents a natural emotional response, reflecting the brain’s reaction to danger, stress, or psychological strain. Symptoms associated with anxiety can vary widely among individuals, but headaches and dizziness are common indicators. Notably, anxiety can lead to both physical and psychological symptoms, which can include:

Sleep disturbances
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation (in English: Hyperventilation)
Feelings of fear, panic, or discomfort
Inability to remain calm
Coldness or sweating in hands or feet
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

Other Causes

There are several additional reasons that may lead to experiencing dizziness and headaches concurrently. Some of these causes include:

Inner Ear Inflammation: Known as labyrinthitis (in English: Labyrinthitis), this condition occurs when the inner part of the ear—the labyrinth—becomes inflamed, affecting both hearing and balance. Common symptoms include mild to complete hearing loss, dizziness, and vertigo. Other accompanying symptoms of this disorder may include:

Pain or pressure in the ear
Nausea and generalized malaise
Tinnitus
Pus drainage from the ear
Vision disturbances, such as double vision and blurriness
Fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius

Post-Concussion Syndrome: This disorder (in English: Post-concussion syndrome) may develop following a brain injury, and its associated symptoms can persist for weeks to months. Symptoms can include dizziness and headaches similar to migraines or tension-type headaches (in English: Tension headache).
Vision Problems: Headaches can signal eye strain due to vision issues, suggesting a need for glasses, contact lenses, or a change in corrective lenses. Dizziness may indicate difficulty in seeing distant objects.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases (in English: Autoimmune diseases) occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues. While symptoms of these disorders can vary widely, common symptoms include dizziness and headaches. Shared symptoms across various autoimmune disorders can include:

Fatigue
Skin conditions
Joint pain and swelling
Recurrent fever
Swollen glands
Gastrointestinal disturbances

Can Dizziness and Headaches Indicate an Emergency Condition?

In rare cases, the combination of headaches and dizziness may signify the presence of serious health conditions that require immediate medical attention. Below are some critical conditions to consider:

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm (in English: Brain aneurysm) occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bulges or expands. This type of condition typically does not exhibit symptoms until one of the swollen blood vessels ruptures, leading to severe headaches and dizziness. Additional symptoms may include:

Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Stiff neck
Light sensitivity
Double vision or blurriness
Drooping eyelid
Loss of consciousness

Stroke

A stroke (in English: Stroke) occurs due to a decrease or cessation of blood flow to a portion of the brain, resulting in the death of brain cells within minutes due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Sudden severe headaches and dizziness are notable symptoms of a stroke, alongside other possible symptoms including:

Loss of balance
Confusion
Difficulty speaking or understanding others
Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body or face

Video on Causes of Forehead Headaches

To learn about the causes of headaches in the forehead region, please watch the video.