Tension headache: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Tension headache | |||
| image = [[File:Tension-headache.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of a person experiencing a tension headache | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| synonyms = Stress headache, muscle contraction headache | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], pressure or tightness around the head | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = 30 minutes to several days | |||
| causes = [[Stress (biology)|Stress]], poor posture, [[dehydration]], [[eye strain]] | |||
| risks = [[Anxiety]], [[depression (mood)|depression]], [[sleep deprivation]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on symptoms, [[physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Migraine]], [[cluster headache]], [[sinusitis]] | |||
| prevention = Stress management, regular exercise, proper posture | |||
| treatment = [[Pain relievers]], [[stress reduction]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| medication = [[Ibuprofen]], [[acetaminophen]], [[aspirin]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
| deaths = None | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Large_headache_diagram.png|Large headache diagram|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Tension headache''', also known as a '''stress headache''', is the most common type of [[headache]]. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some people say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead. | '''Tension headache''', also known as a '''stress headache''', is the most common type of [[headache]]. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some people say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of tension headaches is not known. Experts believe they may be due to changes in the [[brain chemicals]] or tension in the neck and scalp muscles (possibly related to stress), or both. | The exact cause of tension headaches is not known. Experts believe they may be due to changes in the [[brain chemicals]] or tension in the neck and scalp muscles (possibly related to stress), or both. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of a tension headache include: | The symptoms of a tension headache include: | ||
| Line 9: | Line 28: | ||
* Pressure around the forehead | * Pressure around the forehead | ||
* Tenderness around the forehead and scalp | * Tenderness around the forehead and scalp | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
To diagnose a tension headache, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about your family history of headaches to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to tension headaches. | To diagnose a tension headache, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about your family history of headaches to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to tension headaches. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for tension headaches includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and other therapies such as [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[biofeedback]], and [[relaxation techniques]]. | Treatment for tension headaches includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and other therapies such as [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[biofeedback]], and [[relaxation techniques]]. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies for tension headaches include managing stress, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and regular physical activity. | Prevention strategies for tension headaches include managing stress, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and regular physical activity. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Migraine]] | * [[Migraine]] | ||
| Line 24: | Line 39: | ||
* [[Chronic daily headaches]] | * [[Chronic daily headaches]] | ||
* [[Medication overuse headache]] | * [[Medication overuse headache]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977 Mayo Clinic - Tension headache] | * [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977 Mayo Clinic - Tension headache] | ||
* [https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/tension-headaches WebMD - Tension Headaches] | * [https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/tension-headaches WebMD - Tension Headaches] | ||
[[Category:Headaches]] | [[Category:Headaches]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Pain]] | [[Category:Pain]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 14:32, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Tension headache | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Stress headache, muscle contraction headache |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, pressure or tightness around the head |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | 30 minutes to several days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Stress, poor posture, dehydration, eye strain |
| Risks | Anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation |
| Diagnosis | Based on symptoms, physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Migraine, cluster headache, sinusitis |
| Prevention | Stress management, regular exercise, proper posture |
| Treatment | Pain relievers, stress reduction, physical therapy |
| Medication | Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | None |
Tension headache, also known as a stress headache, is the most common type of headache. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some people say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of tension headaches is not known. Experts believe they may be due to changes in the brain chemicals or tension in the neck and scalp muscles (possibly related to stress), or both.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a tension headache include:
- Dull head pain
- Pressure around the forehead
- Tenderness around the forehead and scalp
Diagnosis[edit]
To diagnose a tension headache, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also ask about your family history of headaches to determine if you have a genetic predisposition to tension headaches.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for tension headaches includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and other therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies for tension headaches include managing stress, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and regular physical activity.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
