Blog Layout

Articles and Information

Joseph Lopez • May 26, 2020
What Is a Dehydration Headache?

A dehydration headache is when the human body expels more liquid than it can replenish, it suffers from dehydration. One of the many ways dehydration occurs is in the form of dehydration headaches, which can happen to anyone any time their body loses hydration. 


Considering that the human body is up to 60% water, it shouldn't be a surprise that a lack of hydration can have such adverse effects. But can dehydration cause headaches? While there's little scientific research proving or disproving this idea, the concept isn't impossible. People suffer from headaches for numerous reasons, and getting a headache from not drinking water doesn't have to be a far-fetched idea.


Dehydration can result from several factors and ailments, including:

  • Having diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Having a fever.
  • Sweating excessively.
  • Urinating excessively.
  • Living in very hot climates.
  • Living at high altitudes.
  • Living with a chronic illness, like diabetes.
  • Taking medication that increases urination.

While dehydration can happen to anyone, the people most at risk are infants and young children, older adults and endurance athletes. Staying hydrated and ensuring your body gets enough fluid throughout the day is the best way to prevent dehydration.

Signs of a Dehydration Headache

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you could still suffer from a dehydration headache. It's important to know the symptoms of dehydration, including those associated with headaches from dehydration. General dehydration results in:

  • Thirst.
  • Fatigue.
  • Less urine.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Increased heart rate.

Because dehydration headaches originate from general dehydration, they will always appear with one or more of the aforementioned symptoms. Additional signs that can signify a more advanced stage of dehydration include:

  • Sunken eyes.
  • Lack of sweat.
  • Delirium.
  • Shriveled skin.
  • Loss of consciousness.

A dehydration headache may only occur if a person is severely dehydrated, but some people also experience it at the first sign of dehydration. Unlike sinus headaches, dehydration headaches don't affect the face. They also do not affect the back of the neck like tension headaches might. 


Dehydration headaches can occur anywhere on the head, be it the back, front or side. They can also manifest as dull pain throughout the skull, which gets worse when you move your head, bend down or walk.


One study found that dehydration triggered migraine headaches for 34 out of 95 people. For these people, the pain was worse on one side and could be accompanied by nausea and a visual aura. 

What Is a Dehydration Headache?

How to Get Rid of a Dehydration Headache

Many people find their headache improves between 30 minutes and three hours after drinking water. Since dehydration comes from a lack of water and electrolytes in the body, replenishing that supply will alleviate the symptoms of dehydration. As with most illnesses and ailments, prevention is better than a cure. However, in situations when prevention is not possible, you can safely and adequately treat dehydration headaches at home in several ways.

The best way is to drink more water to increase the amount of liquid in your body. For more relief, you can even drink electrolyte-filled sports drinks. However, water is always a better option, so drink plenty of it and avoid activities that would cause you to sweat. These might include exercising or sitting in a very hot room. Instead, preserve your strength and rest up with a supply of water.


It's also a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that dehydrate your body, such as caffeine and salty foods like pretzels. Instead, stick to fluid-rich foods, like most fruits and vegetables. 


Over-the-counter pain medication is a good way to alleviate the discomfort of a headache quickly. A cold compress is another option many people find comfortable, which also helps with pain relief. Overall, it could take a few hours to treat dehydration fully.


For more severe cases, most over-the-counter painkillers or home remedies won't do the trick. It's best to seek medical attention for severe dehydration. You should do the same even for ailments that increase the risk of severe dehydration, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If left untreated, severe dehydration can result in seizures, shock and even kidney damage. 


Salt replacement and intravenous (IV) fluids offer additional dehydration headache treatments. They are mostly used by medical professionals to cure or prevent severe dehydration.

What Is a Dehydration Headache?

Treating Dehydration Headaches With IV Treatments

Using an IV for a dehydration headache doesn't always have to be for severe cases. If you're already suffering from a dehydration headache, you can get quick and easy relief by ordering an IV for dehydration


Hydration IVs include several vitamins and consist of a saline solution that will automatically give your body a boost. The mixture is fed to you intravenously, allowing it to enter your bloodstream and, thus, take effect faster than it would if taken orally. 


Some vitamins that can be included in a hydration IV include:


  • Vitamin C: A great immune booster, this nutrient can help reduce inflammation of body tissue.


  • Vitamin B12: Mainly used for increasing white blood cell production, vitamin B12 also boosts energy and increases metabolism.


  • Zinc: Another immune booster, zinc is also known to prevent microbes from reproducing. 


  • Magnesium: The bodily process of creating essential proteins relies on magnesium, which also helps regulate your heartbeat.


  • Glutathione: This antioxidant helps the body recover quickly from stress.


IV treatment for dehydration can alleviate many common symptoms of this ailment, including:

  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Lack of energy.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Thirst.
  • Fainting.

The best part is that you can easily receive these IV treatments in your own home, which means you don't need to drive to a hospital or store — especially if dehydration triggers a migraine for you. Instead, you can rest easy, order your hydration IV to come to you and conveniently reap the benefits.

Alleviate Your Ailments With Hydrate You IV

For fast, easy and reliable home IV services, look no further than Hydrate You IV. Our knowledgeable and experienced professionals will come right to your home to carefully administer IV treatments that alleviate symptoms of headaches, hangovers, the flu and many other ailments. 


We also offer the famous Myers' Cocktail, which is a popular choice for those who need a hydration boost. The nutrient-packed mixture can reduce stress, improve your mood and increase your energy, all while providing your body a dose of some of the healthiest vitamins and nutrients around.


Get in touch by sending a message through our online form at any time of the day or night. You can also call or text us at 918-520-1238 to book your IV treatment. Once you select the treatment you need, get some friends and family together to take advantage of our group discounts.

A cartoon man is standing next to a battery and a lightning bolt.
By Jeff Hutsell February 13, 2025
Recharge Your Energy with Vitamin-Infused IV Therapy in Oklahoma City
An illustration of a vitamin drip on a blue background
By Jeff Hutsell February 10, 2025
Recharge Your Energy with Vitamin-Infused IV Therapy in Oklahoma City
A red and white sign that says food poisoning
By Jeff Hutsell February 6, 2025
Food Poisoning Relief with IV Hydration in Tulsa
A person wearing blue gloves is holding a syringe and an iv bag.
By Jeff Hutsell February 3, 2025
Choosing the Right IV Package for Your Wellness Goals in Tulsa
A man is sitting on a couch with a cup of coffee and a napkin in his mouth.
By Jeff Hutsell January 30, 2025
Speed Up Cold and Flu Recovery with IV Therapy in Oklahoma City
A line drawing of a flower with leaves and the word glutathione.
By Jeff Hutsell January 27, 2025
Glutathione IV Therapy for Detox and Radiance in Tulsa
A bag of myers cocktail iv treatment with a green hose attached to it.
By Jeff Hutsell January 23, 2025
Discover the Benefits of Myers’ Cocktail IV in Oklahoma City
A person is holding a sign that says `` stop migraine ''.
By Jeff Hutsell January 20, 2025
Relieve Migraines Naturally with IV Therapy in Tulsa
A woman is sitting on a couch with an iv in her hand and talking on a cell phone.
By Jeff Hutsell January 16, 2025
Mobile IV Therapy: Convenient Care in Oklahoma City
A man is sitting at a desk using a laptop computer.
By Jeff Hutsell January 13, 2025
IV Therapy for Dehydration: Wellness Solutions in Tulsa
Show More
Share by: