View source for Severe Headache with Vision Disturbed

{{Severity Banner
| level    = orange
| card_no  = 09
| title    = Severe Headache — Vision Disturbed
| subtitle = These two symptoms together point to dangerously high blood pressure — go today
}}

{{Card Infobox
| card_no  = 09
| severity = orange
| category = Pain
| audio    = Severe_Headache_with_Vision_Disturbed_Khasi.mp3
| call_108 = yes
| pathway  = ASHA → PHC (same day) → CHC if BP ≥ 140/90
| image    = Card_09_Severe_Headache_with_Vision_Disturbed.png
}}

== What is this? ==

A very severe headache — like a tight band being squeezed around the head — combined with blurred, dim, or flashing vision during pregnancy is a serious warning sign. These two symptoms together point to very high blood pressure pressing on the blood vessels of the brain and eyes. This is not a normal pregnancy headache that will ease with rest.

Nausea and vomiting may also be present alongside the headache and vision changes. Do not take a painkiller and wait for the symptoms to pass. This combination requires urgent blood pressure measurement and medical assessment at a PHC or CHC the same day. If blood pressure is found to be 140/90 mmHg or above, go to the CHC immediately without delay.

{{Action Steps|
* '''Go to the PHC or CHC today — do not wait'''
* Ask your ASHA to arrange transport immediately
* '''Have your blood pressure checked as soon as you arrive'''
* '''If BP is 140/90 or above — go to the CHC the same day without any delay'''
* Do not take a painkiller and go to sleep
}}

{{Referral Pathway
| step1 = ASHA
| step2 = PHC (same day)
| step3 = CHC if BP ≥ 140/90
}}

{{Risk Window|
Any severe headache combined with blurred or flashing vision after the third month of pregnancy must be seen at the PHC or CHC the same day. This combination is the key warning sign of pre-eclampsia — a condition that can cause fits, stroke, and death within hours if blood pressure is not controlled. '''A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or above with these symptoms means go to the CHC immediately.'''
}}

== Khasi audio guide ==

{{Audio Guide|file=Severe_Headache_with_Vision_Disturbed_Khasi.mp3|duration=2:10}}

== Related cards ==

* [[Cannot_See_Clearly|Cannot See Clearly]] — blurred vision without headache also needs same-day care
* [[Blood_Pressure_High|Blood Pressure High]] — the underlying cause of this symptom combination
* [[Fits_or_Body_Shaking|Fits or Body Shaking]] — the emergency that untreated severe headache can lead to

{{Emergency Footer}}

[[Category:Symptom Cards]]
[[Category:Orange Alert]]
[[Category:Pain]]