What might indicate that a headache could be related to visual disturbances?

Visual disturbances can serve as a significant indicator of the type of headache a person is experiencing. When someone reports symptoms like photophobia (sensitivity to light) and seeing halos around lights, it suggests that the headache may involve the neurological pathways associated with vision. These symptoms are often associated with conditions such as migraines, where visual disturbances are a common aura before the headache onset. In this context, photophobia indicates an increased sensitivity to light, which is frequently reported by individuals suffering from migraine headaches, and halos around lights can indicate issues related to the eyes or increased intracranial pressure.

In contrast, complaints of pressure in the forehead may suggest sinus-related headaches rather than visual disturbances. Dizziness and vertigo are more indicative of vestibular issues or other non-headache-related conditions. Lastly, neck stiffness or rigidity usually suggests the possibility of tension-type headaches or meningeal irritation rather than being directly related to visual disturbances. Thus, the presence of photophobia and halos specifically points toward a headache connected to visual disturbances.