Can anemia cause headaches?

Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

Updated on April 24, 2025

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Anemia can cause headaches because when anemia occurs, the entire body is in a state of ischemia and hypoxia. The severity of anemia varies, and so does the extent of ischemia and hypoxia in the body. When anemia is severe, the body is in a significantly compromised state of ischemia and hypoxia. Ischemia and hypoxia in the nervous system can manifest as headaches. Additionally, symptoms can include a feeling of heavy-headedness, and even cerebral infarction, which are caused by anemia. After correcting the anemia by transfusing red blood cells, the headaches will alleviate.

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Written by Gong Hui

Pediatrics

1min 1sec

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How to supplement baby's anemia?

The treatment for childhood anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia in children, which includes iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, the main treatment is iron supplementation. This can be done through dietary means, such as increasing the intake of foods high in iron like pork liver and egg yolks. Additionally, treatment should address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For instance, if parasitic infections are causing blood loss, then treating the parasitic infection is necessary. If the anemia is due to poor dietary habits or picky eating, then changing these habits is crucial. If general treatments are ineffective, then oral iron supplements should be considered. In the case of megaloblastic anemia, it is important to address the vitamin deficiencies that cause it, namely the lack of folate and vitamin B12. Supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 is recommended.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

48sec

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What should I do about adenomyosis-related anemia?

When suffering from adenomyosis, patients often experience an increase in menstrual flow. Prolonged heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia. At this time, drug treatment should be initiated first. Some medications can be used to stop bleeding, and minimally invasive surgery or interventional treatment can also be considered to remove the affected areas of adenomyosis. In terms of diet, it is important to consume foods rich in protein that aid in blood replenishment. Additionally, an appropriate supplement of vitamin B and vitamin C is necessary, and it's crucial to actively work on blood replenishment to avoid risking the patient's health. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

58sec

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How to check for anemia?

Anemia requires an initial routine blood test, which is a complete blood count. If it indicates a reduction in red blood cell count and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, it suggests anemia. Once anemia is indicated by the complete blood count, further tests are guided by the size of the red blood cell volume. If it is microcytic anemia, common types include iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, and tests such as serum iron, ferritin, and tumor markers are needed. If it is normocytic anemia, a bone marrow biopsy is required to rule out aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma, etc. If it is macrocytic anemia, tests for folate and vitamin B12 are needed to exclude myelodysplastic syndrome and megaloblastic anemia, among others.

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Written by Li Fang Fang

Hematology

45sec

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Anemia lacks what element

Anemia is not always caused by a deficiency in elements. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, it is due to a lack of iron. Megaloblastic anemia occurs because of a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12. However, clinically, there are many other types of anemia, such as aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia, etc. The anemia caused by these diseases is not due to a deficiency in elements, but is due to the diseases themselves affecting bone marrow hematopoiesis, leading to anemia. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly diagnose the cause of anemia in order to treat it effectively.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie

Obstetrics

1min 6sec

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What should pregnant women do about anemia?

We often find that anemia in pregnant women is very common during prenatal check-ups. There are three main reasons for anemia. The first reason is iron deficiency anemia, which is due to insufficient intake during pregnancy while the fetus requires a large amount, leading to iron deficiency anemia. The second reason is megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by insufficient intake of vitamin B6 and folic acid, resulting in anemia. Another condition is thalassemia, which is due to a genetic mutation causing anemia. For treatment of anemia, we first need to address the specific cause. If it is iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements are necessary, and the diet should include foods like pork liver and lean meat. If it is megaloblastic anemia, supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is needed. Moreover, for thalassemia, mild cases can be observed, while severe cases may require a small amount of blood transfusion treatment.