- Having problems at home
- Having a new child
- Having no close friends
- Returning to school or training; preparing for tests or exams
- Going on a vacation
- Starting a new job
- Losing a job
- Being overweight
- Deadlines at work
- Competing in sports or other activities
- Being a perfectionist
- Not getting enough sleep
- Being over-extended; involved in too many activities/organizations
Episodic tension headaches are usually triggered by an isolated stressful
situation or a build-up of stress. Daily stress, such as from a high-pressure
job, can lead to chronic tension headaches.
What are the symptoms of tension-type headaches?
Patients with tension-type headaches commonly report these symptoms:
- Type of pain
In some people, tension-type headaches are thought to be caused by tightened
muscles in the back of the neck and scalp. - Severity/intensity of pain
The pain of episodic tension-type headaches is described as mild to moderate,
constant band-like pain, pressure, or throbbing. The "severity" of a
tension headache increases significantly with its frequency. Chronic
tension-type headaches may vary in intensity throughout the day, but the pain is
almost always present. Often, the pain associated with a tension headache is difficult for the
patient to describe. - Location of pain
Tension headaches affect the front, top or sides of the head. - Duration of pain
Episodic tension headaches usually begin gradually, and often occur in the
middle of the day. These headaches may last from 30 minutes to several days.
Chronic tension headaches come and go over a prolonged period of time. - Frequency of headaches
A tension-type headache may appear periodically (episodic, less than 15 days
per month) or daily (chronic, more than 15 days per month). - Warning signs
Tension headaches are usually not associated with the presence of an aura (physical warning sign), severe sensitivity to light
or noise, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. - Associated symptoms
- Pain upon awakening
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Disturbed concentration
- Mild sensitivity to light or noise
- General muscle aching
There are no associated neurological symptoms in patients with tension-type
headaches. In addition, vision, balance, or strength are not affected.
How are tension-type headaches treated?
Tension-type headaches are treated with several different strategies, including: stress
management/relaxation training, counseling, biofeedback, medications and
self-care treatments. Treatment for chronic tension headaches usually
involves stress management,
counseling, biofeedback, and possibly the use of antidepressant or
anxiety-reducing medications.