Obstruction In the Head Causing Vomiting

Vomiting in the Head: obstruction Causes and Symptoms

may be a symptom of a brain obstruction

blockage that prevents the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain

surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord

cause brain obstruction and lead to vomiting

Hydrocephalus

increased CSF in the ventricles (fluid-filled cavities) of the brain by obstruction which can lead to vomiting

Meningitis

swelling and irritation, obstruction which can block the flow of CSF meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord)

Stroke

blood clot or bleeding in the brain A stroke may damage the tissue that produces obstruction CSF or block the flow of CSF

Brain tumor

A brain tumor can block the flow of CSF obstruction to the flow occur

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

feeling like you might become sick and vomit, it could be a condition affecting your eyes

Glaucoma

damages your eye's optic nerve, and it gets worse over time obstruction leads to an increase of pressure inside your eye.run in families later in life

optic nerve that sends images to the brain. glaucoma may cause permanent vision loss or even total blindness

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Severe headache

Severe eye pain

Nausea or vomiting

Blurred vision

Halos or colored rings around lights

Eye redness

Worry signs of a brain obstruction

Severe headache

Nausea and vomiting

Dizziness

Confusion

Drowsiness

Seizures

Vision problems

Weakness or numbness in arms or legs

Loss of balance or coordination

Migraine headaches

can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and vision problems such as aura seeing flashing lights or wavy lines

Medication side effects

Some medications can cause vomiting and eye problems as side effects

Severe headache

Fever

Stiff neck

Confusion

Seizures

Vision loss

mayoclinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

nih

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma

aao

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma

VOMITING IN ,THE HEAD , BSTRUCTION,Hydrocephalus,medications,Migraine headaches,brain obstruction,Severe headache.Nausea]andvomiting,Dizziness,Confusion,Drowsiness,Seizures,Vision problems,Weakness or numbness in arms or, legs, Loss of balance or coordination,GLAUCOMA,brain tumors,stroke,meningitis,vision loss,vision dysfunction,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vomiting

What is vomiting, and what is the difference between acute and chronic vomiting?

Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease or medical condition itself. It is the body’s reflex to expel harmful substances.

• Acute vomiting: Short-term vomiting (lasting hours to days).

• Chronic vomiting: Persistent or recurrent vomiting over a prolonged period (weeks to months).

What are the common causes of acute vomiting?

The most common causes include:

• Viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu").

• Food poisoning.

• Motion sickness, alcohol overuse, medication side effects.

• Gastrointestinal obstruction (e.g., appendicitis, pancreatitis).

• Infections (e.g., meningitis).

When should I see a doctor for vomiting?

Seek medical care if:

• Vomiting persists for more than 2 days.

• You experience dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness).

• You cannot keep fluids down.

Seek emergency care if vomiting is accompanied by:

• High fever, severe headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, rash, or altered consciousness.

What are potential causes of chronic (long-term) vomiting?

• Medication side effects (e.g., chemotherapy, NSAIDs, antibiotics).

• Pregnancy (morning sickness).

• Migraines, food allergies, or upper GI disorders (GERD, gastroparesis).

• Kidney stones, cyclic vomiting syndrome, functional vomiting.

• Vitamin toxicity (e.g., excessive vitamin A or D).

How is vomiting linked to increased intracranial pressure?

Conditions like brain tumors, hemorrhage, head trauma, hydrocephalus, or meningitis can raise pressure inside the skull. This triggers vomiting, often with:

• Severe headache.

• Confusion, vision changes, or seizures.

What other warning signs suggest a brain-related issue causing vomiting?

• Sudden dizziness, slurred speech, or balance issues.

• Weakness/numbness in limbs.

• Seizures, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness.
  Immediate medical attention is required!

Can brain obstruction cause vomiting?

Yes. Blockages in cerebrospinal fluid flow (e.g., hydrocephalus) or brainstem compression (e.g., stroke, tumors) can increase intracranial pressure, leading to vomiting.

Is vomiting linked to eye problems?

Yes. Acute angle-closure glaucoma (sudden eye pressure rise) causes:

• Severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting.

• Blurred vision or halos around lights.
  This is a medical emergency!

Key Takeaways

• Acute vomiting is often self-limiting (e.g., infections).

• Chronic vomiting requires investigation for underlying conditions.

• Red flags (e.g., neurologic symptoms, severe pain) demand urgent care.

Always consult a doctor for persistent or severe vomiting!

Vomiting as a Sign of Obstruction

Vomiting is a hallmark symptom of mechanical obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The type, timing, and characteristics of vomiting can help localize the obstruction’s cause and severity:

Key Causes of Obstruction Leading to Vomiting

1. Upper GI Obstruction

   • Pyloric Stenosis: Projectile vomiting (non-bilious) in infants.

   • Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Vomiting undigested food hours after eating (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, pancreatic cancer).

2. Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)

   • Bilious vomiting (green/yellow): Suggests obstruction distal to the duodenum.

   • Feculent vomiting: Late sign of prolonged SBO due to bacterial overgrowth.

   • Common causes: Adhesions (most common), hernias, Crohn’s strictures.

3. Large Bowel Obstruction (LBO)

   • Vomiting is a late symptom (after abdominal distension and constipation).

   • Causes: Colorectal cancer, volvulus, severe diverticulitis.

4. Other Causes

   • Gallstone Ileus: Vomiting + jaundice + abdominal pain.

   • Intussusception: “Currant jelly” stools + vomiting in children.

Red Flags

• Vomiting + Absolute Constipation (no stool/flatus): Classic for complete bowel obstruction.

• Abdominal Distension, High-Pitched Bowel Sounds: Suggest SBO.

• Severe Pain, Peritonitis: May indicate ischemia or perforation.

Diagnostic Workup

1. Imaging:

   • Abdominal X-ray: “Step-ladder” air-fluid levels in SBO.

   • CT Abdomen/Pelvis: Gold standard for identifying location and cause.

2. Labs: Elevated lactate (suggests ischemia), leukocytosis.

Management

• NPO (nothing by mouth), NG Tube Decompression, IV fluids.

• Surgery: Required for complete obstructions, strangulation, or perforation.

• Non-operative: Partial obstructions may resolve with bowel rest.

Takeaway:

Vomiting in the context of obstruction is never normal and requires urgent evaluation. Early intervention prevents complications like bowel ischemia or sepsis. If vomiting is persistent, bilious, or accompanied by severe pain/distension, seek emergency care.