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Are you suffering from Hypertension Headache?

Hypertension Headache Treatment

Headache is a commonly described symptom of hypertension, or high blood pressure, but the link between the two has not been accurately established. GP guidelines still encourage a headache history to be used as an assessment tool for hypertension, even though it has only been confirmed that headaches are commonly present in patients who reach ‘hypertensive crisis’.

Blood pressure readings of 140-160/90-99 mmHg indicate a diagnosis of ‘mild hypertension’ and there has been a reported link to headache symptoms in this population; with around 10% of the Brisbane population having hypertension and a higher prevalence in people aged over 75.

At the Brisbane Migraine and Headache Clinics, we specialise in assessing the cervical spine to determine the root cause of your hypertension headache. If we can prove that this is the case, we can start treatment immediately, with expected results in the first 6 sessions, as we see with 85-90% of our patients. Most importantly, our treatment is safe, gentle, medication-free and non-invasive.

Understanding Your Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Hypertension Headache?

Headaches associated with Hypertension are often describes as; ‘pulsating and throbbing’ and will often occur in the morning. However, it has been reported that hypertension can cause classic symptoms of Tension-Type Headache and Migraine

 

Symptoms of Hypertension Headache: 

  • Headache Pulsating
  • Shortness of breath Pulsating
  • Nosebleeds
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Dizziness
  • Chest Pain

 

Potential symptoms of Hypertension Headaches:

  • Pulsating, throbbing early morning headache
  • Unilateral or Bilateral Headache
  • Nausea and or Vomiting
  • Visual disturbances
Man with Vertigo

Understanding Your Headache

What is the cause of Hypertension Headache?

The initial thought that hypertension contributes to the distension of blood vessels, causing headache symptoms has yet to be proven in any research. The most current research suggests that sudden rises in blood pressure and severe blood pressure readings (>180/110 mmHg) are linked to hypertensive headache. In the population of pheochromocytoma patients, 80 % have been linked to episodic headaches.

The patients that we see at Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic often don’t present with any of these signs, however they still present with hypertension headache symptoms. In these cases, we assess for dysfunction in the upper cervical spine and sensitivities in the brainstem, to determine whether they may be the true cause.

Current research suggests that brainstem hyper-sensitivity in the brainstem, may detect elevations in blood pressure and react abnormally, triggering headache or migraine symptoms.

About The Assessment Stage

What To Expect During The Assessment


1. Comprehensive and in-depth examination

We instigate an in-depth assessment to identify all possible related factors that could be causing your headaches or migraines. The upper cervical spine, in particular, is thoroughly examined to identify possible issues.



2. Ligamental stability and vertebral arterial tests

We undertake careful examination of neck ligaments and vertebral arteries, ensuring only the highest standards of patient safety and comfort.


3. Temporarily reproduce your headache and migraine symptoms

As a part of the treatment process, we apply gentle and selective stress to the upper cervical spine in order to reproduce headache symptoms, which subside after 20-30 seconds. This helps to identify and treat the cause of your headaches.

More about Hypertension Headaches

Dizziness and Hypertension Headache

Dizziness is a commonly reported symptom, particularly in the elderly population. Recent studies have found that there is a significant correlation between those who experience systemic hypertension and those who describe the symptoms of dizziness or vertigo. As is the case with hypertensive headaches, the link between dizziness and hypertension is unclear at this stage.

Blood pressure and Hypertension Headaches

Mild-Hypertension is defined as having a diastolic blood-pressure measuring 140 to 159mmHg and a systolic blood pressure measuring 90 to 99 mmHg. Patients diagnosed with this have been linked with a higher prevalence of headache symptoms .

blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80 (120/80).

It has been reported that 1-in-10 people in the Brisbane area have reported having hypertension. The prevalence of this increases with age, where 45% of people over the age of 75 have experienced it.

I’ve tried it all, how can I fix my Hypertension Headache?

Treating Hypertension Headaches

At Brisbane Headache & Migraine Clinic, many of our patients have exhausted all of their treatment options, trying to alleviate their hypertensive headaches. Many have altered their blood pressure medications and made changes to their diets with limited success. Some have trialled chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists and osteopaths with no long-term benefit. We aim to assess the upper cervical spine and your brainstem to determine whether they are the true cause of your symptoms.

We specialise in assessing your upper cervical spine and your brainstem to determine if they are the root cause of your hypertension headache.

Once we have established whether this is the case, then we can start treatment immediately, with expected results in the first 6 sessions, as we see with 85-90% of our patients. Most importantly, our treatment is safe, gentle, medication-free and non-invasive.

Tools for managing migraines.