Tension headache

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

Large headache diagram

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

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

The symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Dull head pain
• Pressure around the forehead
• Tenderness around the forehead and scalp

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.

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.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for tension headaches include managing stress, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and regular physical activity.

See also

• Migraine
• Cluster headache
• Chronic daily headaches
• Medication overuse headache

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Tension headache
• WebMD - Tension Headaches

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