Having a headache after having your blood drawn is a very common issue. This can happen because your body’s nervous system reacts in a particular way, known as a vasovagal response. To feel better, follow these steps: eat well, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities, and get plenty of rest.
Most people will have their blood drawn at least once in their lives, whether for medical tests or donating blood. While the process is simple and the needle doesn’t usually hurt much when it goes in, some people may feel a bit dizzy afterward.
A common complaint is developing a headache after getting blood drawn. Let’s explore why this occurs and learn how to reduce the chances of it happening.
Blood drawn Process
Getting your blood drawn is called venipuncture or phlebotomy. It’s usually done to test for medical conditions as advised by your doctor.
Donating blood takes about 10 minutes, while giving a sample only takes just few of minutes.
Possible side effects include headaches, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, bleeding, bruising, rashes, skin irritation from tape or bandages, and soreness. These effects typically go away within 24 hours as your body recovers.
Headache After Blood Drawing
After getting your blood drawn, its common to experience some side effects. For most people, these are mild, but for others, they can be stronger. One common side effect is getting a headache. If it’s a mild headache, you don’t need to worry; it will likely go away on its own. However, some people may have more severe headaches and feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. if you think the headache is getting worst please contact your doctor for examination.
How to Get Relieve From Headache After Blood Drawing
To minimize your chance of getting a headache after having your blood drawn, follow these steps:
Before the blood draw:
- Drink plenty of water to make your veins more accessible.
- Have a balanced meal with proteins and carbohydrates to keep you steady during the procedure.
- If you’re donating platelets, ovoid taking aspirin for at least two days.
After the blood draw:
- Continue to drink water.
- Have biscuits or cookies with sugar to boost your energy.
- Rest for a while to let your body recover.
Doctors and nurses often offer post-procedure snacks and drinks. If you experience severe side effects, don’t hesitate to inform them, as they are there to help you recover.
Conclusion
Experiencing a headache after having your blood drawn is a common occurrence, though its severity can vary from person to person. While some may only have mild headache, others may experience more serious headaches, along with feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
To minimize the likelihood of getting a headache after a blood draw, it’s advisable to stay hydrated before the procedure, consume a nutritious meal, and avoid aspirin if donating platelets. After the blood draw, continue to stay hydrated, have snacks like biscuits or cookies, and take a nap to aid in recovery.
