Tension Headaches

What is a tension headache?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in tension type headaches. Tension headaches typically do not cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).

What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

While symptoms may differ, the following are common symptoms of a tension type headache:

Slow onset of the headache
Head usually hurts on both sides
Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head
Pain may involve the back (posterior) part of the head or neck
Pain is mild to moderate, but not severe

The symptoms of tension headaches may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Facts about tension headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, affecting 30 percent to 78 percent of the general population.
Tension headaches are typically a steady ache, rather than a throbbing one, and affect both sides of the head.
Some people get tension headaches in response to stressful events or hectic days.
Tension headaches may be chronic, occurring frequently or every day.

How are tension headaches diagnosed?

Tension headaches are diagnosed primarily based upon reported symptoms, but a thorough medical exam, which may include other tests or procedures, may be used to rule out underlying diseases or conditions.

Tracking and sharing information about your headache with your physician helps with the process of making an accurate diagnosis.

Questions commonly asked during the exam may include, but are not limited to, the following:

When do headaches occur?
What is the location of the headache?
What do the headaches feel like?
How long do the headaches last?
Have there been changes in behavior or personality?
Do changes in position or sitting up cause the headache?
Do you have trouble sleeping?
Do you have a history of stress?
Is there a history of head injury?

If the history is consistent with tension-type headaches and the neurological exam is normal, no further diagnostic testing may be necessary. However, if the headache is not found to be the primary problem, then other tests may be needed to determine the cause.

Tests which may be used to determine the cause of a tension headache may include:

Blood tests. Various blood chemistry and other laboratory tests may be run to check for underlying conditions.
Sinus x-rays. A diagnostic imaging procedure to evaluate for congestion or other problems that may be corrected.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays.

Treatment for tension headaches

Specific treatment for headaches will be determined by your physician based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history
Type of headaches
Severity and frequency of the headaches
Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
Your opinion or preference

The ultimate goal of treatment is to stop headaches from occurring. Adequate headache management depends on reducing stress and tension. Some suggestions for tension headache management include: