Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi - consultant, General Medicine and Physician at Shardacare, Health City (India) - shared on Onlymyhealth that headaches are one of the most common symptoms in life. However, not everyone knows that headaches can stem from many different causes, the most common of which are tension headaches and headaches caused by high blood pressure. Accurate distinction helps you handle things properly, avoiding serious health risks.
tension headaches
This is the most common type of headache, often occurring after stressful working hours, lack of sleep or tired eyes. The patient felt a tight head as if wrapped around a rope, mild to moderate grinding pain, mainly on both sides of the head or back of the neck. The pain often appears gradually, easily improving with rest or taking conventional painkillers.
Headache due to high blood pressure
This is a warning sign that blood pressure is rising too high (≥180/120 mmHg), which can be dangerous if not treated promptly. The headache often appears suddenly and severely, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness in the middle of the body, chest pain or difficulty breathing. These types of headaches do not respond to conventional painkillers and require emergency medical intervention.
When to see a doctor immediately?
Dr. Bhumesh Tyagi says, seek medical attention if you experience any of the following signs:
Severe headache, suddenly appeared
Headache accompanied by nausea, blurred vision, dizziness
Feeling weak on one side of the body
High blood pressure at home ≥180/120 mmHg
Have a history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
Note
Tension headaches can be controlled at home, while headaches caused by high blood pressure are a dangerous condition that should not be subjective. Always monitor your blood pressure if you are at risk, and don't hesitate to see your doctor if you see any unusual signs.
