What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache due to Hypertensive Encephalopathy

What is Headache Attributed to Hypertensive Encephalopathy? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Hypertensive Encephalopathy is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to hypertension in the brain (or hypertensive encephalopathy). Besides headache, the condition is associated with visual defects (even vision loss), seizures, fatigue, and confusion
• The headache is often of the pulsating type and involves both sides of the head (bilateral) and worsened by physical exertion. When the high blood pressure levels are restored to normal levels, the headache is known to regress and disappear
• Hypertensive encephalopathy is often observed with chronic and long-term hypertension (high blood pressure) in excess of 180/120 mm Hg. Individuals with this condition are at a high risk for cerebral edema and hypertensive retinopathy (that can subsequently cause blindness)

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Hypertensive Encephalopathy as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Hypertensive encephalopathy has been diagnosed
• Headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by either or both of the following:

• Headache has developed in temporal relation to the onset of the hypertensive encephalopathy
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with worsening of the hypertensive encephalopathy
  • Headache has significantly improved or resolved in parallel with improvement in or resolution of the hypertensive encephalopathy
• Headache has at least two of the following three characteristics:
  • Diffuse pain
  • Pulsating quality
  • Aggravated by physical activity

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)