Hypertension is another term for high blood pressure, and this takes place when the blood flow force inside the arteries becomes elevated. In many cases, hypertension goes undiagnosed because it doesn’t cause symptoms, which is why it’s often known as a “silent killer.” Just a few of the symptoms and problems it may cause include dizziness, stroke, heart disease, heart attack and even headaches. When some people’s blood pressure is extremely high, they deal with a headache sometimes called a “hypertension migraine.”
A hypertension migraine refers to a severe headache that occurs when blood pressure is dangerously high. Since many people don’t have other symptoms with their high blood pressure, they often think they are just dealing with a regular headache, and they self-medicate, failing to get the help they need when their blood pressure is extremely high. Because so many people are unaware they are hypertensive, if you deal with a migraine that is different from what you’re used to dealing with, it’s important to consult with a headache specialist.
High blood pressure is the trigger behind a hypertension migraine, and usually, blood pressure has to be around 200/100 or higher to result in these types of headaches. When blood pressure is this high, it qualifies as a medical emergency, and immediate medical attention is needed. Autoregulation, a process of the body that works to figure out and control blood supply, results in the blood vessels in the skull constricting, which can cause the extreme pain of the headache.
The extreme high blood pressure that causes hypertension only happens in about 1 percent of the population. It’s more likely to occur in younger adults, and African-American men and women dealing with toxemia of pregnancy.
The pain from hypertension migraines can range from fairly mild to extremely severe, depending on how high the patient’s blood pressure is when the headache begins. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, double vision, throbbing noise within the ears and obscured vision.
Since severely elevated blood pressure may result in serious complications, including hypertensive encephalopathy, it’s important to see a doctor quickly if you’re dealing with new severe headaches. A quality headache specialist can help diagnose your type of migraine and come up with the treatment option that will best meet your needs. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
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