Pressure in the head is a very uncomfortable symptom that can be indicative of several health problems , whether emotional, physical or even ophthalmological.
Finding out what triggers pressure in the head is essential to ensure that the treatment adopted is as effective as possible.
In this article, you will discover 8 possible causes of pressure in the head and what to do to prevent and alleviate this symptom.
Main causes of pressure in the head
Head pressure is a very uncomfortable and uncomfortable sensation. In many cases, the person feels as if a band is tightened around the head.
Here are a causes of pressure in the head.
Vision problems
Uncorrected vision issues, for example, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, may lead to a sensation of pressure in the head owing to the eyes trying excessively hard to see objects.
Repetitive reading and the use of computers and cellular telephones, coupled with the absence of proper visual correction with the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses, aggravate the condition.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease of the eyes that results in optic nerve damage, typically as a result of elevated intraocular pressure , which one can feel through pressure in the head.
Glaucoma also has other symptoms, including eye pain, progressive loss of vision on the sides, and halos on lights. The condition is progressive and can result in loss of vision if it is not properly treated.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a condition of inflammation or infection of the paranasal sinuses that, when blocked or inflamed, causes pain and pressure in the head, especially the forehead, cheekbones and surrounding eyes. Other common symptoms include nasal obstruction, facial pain and discharge.
Muscle tension
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp are frequent reasons for tightness or pressure in the head. Often, this is the result of stress, bad posture or even hours of sitting in one position.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes painful, throbbing headaches associated with a sense of pressure in the head. In addition to pain, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia and visual disturbances can also occur.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear responsible for balance and that can be associated with acute hearing loss or tinnitus.
Apart from the sensation of pressure in the head, labyrinthitis also causes vertigo and dizziness and nausea.
Stress and anxiety
Anxiety and stress tend to lead to tension of the muscles and alterations in the circulation of blood, hence pain, as well as pressure sensation in the head, palpitations, sweating and inability to relax.
Associated symptoms and when to seek medical help
Knowing the symptoms associated with these other diseases is important for correctly diagnosing the problem, such as:
- Headache: Mild to severe pain that can be located in different parts of the head.
- Blurred vision : Difficulty focusing on objects, especially in cases of eye problems such as refractive errors and glaucoma.
- Dizziness and loss of balance: Characteristic symptoms of labyrinthitis.
- Nasal congestion and facial pain: Indications of sinusitis.
- Palpitations and sweating : Related to stress and anxiety.
If pressure in the head and associated symptoms persist for more than a few days without relief, it is essential to seek medical help , especially if accompanied by the following signs:
- Sudden and severe headache.
- High fever.
- Loss of vision or double vision.
- Weakness
- Severe dizziness or loss of balance.
- Mental confusion.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pressure in the head varies depending on the original cause of the symptom . When there is a suspicion that this sensation is due to ophthalmological problems, some tests are recommended.
Among them, the refraction exam is the most common , as it determines the need for prescription glasses or contact lenses due to conditions such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
Tonometry is another frequently requested test, as it measures intraocular pressure and is essential in diagnosing glaucoma. The test is quick, painless and uses a device that applies gentle pressure to the surface of the eye.
Visual acuity testing (which assesses the patient’s ability to see clearly at different distances), campimetry (to assess peripheral vision and detect visual field loss) and fundoscopy (which allows the ophthalmologist to view the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels) are also often recommended .
Related treatments and care
In cases where pressure in the head is caused by vision problems , treatment can be carried out through the use of glasses or contact lenses to correct the degree, as they reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort.
To treat glaucoma and reduce intraocular pressure , eye drops , medication and control of diseases that increase the risk , such as diabetes and hypertension, are recommended.
Furthermore, adopting some daily precautions is important to prevent pressure in the head or even alleviate this symptom, such as:
Maintain good posture
Maintaining proper posture during daily activities helps prevent muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which reduces pressure on the head.
Practice regular exercise
Regular exercise improves blood circulation, reduces stress and helps maintain health, preventing pain and pressure in the head.
Reduce stress
Reducing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing is a very effective way to relieve the feeling of pressure in the head.
Proper hydration
Staying well hydrated is essential for overall health and helps prevent headaches and pressure. Drinking water regularly and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption are recommended practices.
Balanced diet
A well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins gives the nutrients required for brain and body health, which averts most reasons for pressure in the head.
