What should you know about high pressure headache?

People may use high pressure to describe a band-like ache, fullness behind the face, or pressure around the forehead and temples. Nasal inflammation from allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, or a common cold can create facial pressure. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, poor sleep, muscle tension, and anxiety can also contribute. COVID-19 and dengue fever may cause headache alongside other symptoms, so the wider illness matters more than the word pressure.

Headache intensity and location do not reliably identify its cause. Record when the pain started, where it is felt, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have fever, vomiting, congestion, visual changes, or neck stiffness.

Rest in a cool, quiet place, drink fluids if you can, and take breaks from screens. Follow the label or a clinician’s advice for any pain medicine, and avoid taking repeated doses beyond the recommended directions. Arrange an assessment if headaches keep returning, interfere with daily activities, or accompany persistent nasal symptoms. A clinician can review your medicines, hydration, blood pressure, and neurological symptoms.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, a seizure, or new loss of vision. Urgent assessment is also needed for headache with fever and a stiff neck, repeated vomiting, severe dehydration, unusual bleeding, or a rapidly worsening pattern. After a head injury, do not wait for symptoms to settle before seeking advice.

Ask what pattern your headache suggests, whether an examination or tests are needed, which pain medicines are suitable for you, and how to recognise a dangerous change. Bring a list of medicines and note recent heat exposure, illness, fluid intake, sleep, and headache timing.