What type of headache is associated with hypertension?

Suboccipital headaches are commonly associated with hypertension due to their location and the underlying mechanisms. These headaches often occur at the base of the skull and can be linked to increased muscle tension in the neck and upper back, frequently exacerbated by elevated blood pressure levels. When a patient has hypertension, increased pressure within the cranial cavity may lead to irritation of the surrounding structures, including the nerves and muscles at the base of the skull.

In contrast, other headache types listed, such as cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraines, typically have distinct pathophysiological characteristics and triggers unrelated to hypertension. Cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral pain and are often triggered by changes in sleep patterns or alcohol consumption. Tension headaches are more related to stress or muscle tension than high blood pressure specifically, and migraines are usually associated with neurological factors, aura, or specific triggers like hormonal changes or certain foods. Therefore, suboccipital headaches stand out as particularly linked to hypertensive conditions.