What is Tension Headache?

Tension headache is the most common type of headache diagnosed in the adults. It is a chronic form of headache that does not share any similarity with other forms of headache or migraine but responds to similar treatment. A positive family history is seen in almost 40 % of the cases and females are more affected than men.

Causes

The causes of tension headache include poor posture, stress, anxiety, depression, low plasma serotonin levels, cervical osteoarthritis or vasoconstriction.

Symptoms

Patients complain of a tight, band like pain that is aggravated by noise, bright light fatigue and stress. Other non-specific symptoms include anxiety, poor concentration and difficulty in sleeping.

Tension headache is generalized but may be most intense in the occipital and neck regions. The surrounding musculature may also be tightly contracted.

Types of headache

Episodic Headache – It is usually associated with some stressful event. The intensity of headache is of moderate type and is usually self-limited.

Chronic Headache – It is often daily recurring. The headache is located at occipito-frontal region and is often bilateral. The muscles of the neck and scalp are also contracted. There is generalized dull pain in the head that varies throughout the day. It is often present upon arising in the morning. Insomnia, anxiety, difficulty in concentration and teeth grinding may also be present along with headache. Depression is found in about 70% of those people who suffer from daily headache.

Diagnosis

There are no focal neurological signs in tension headache. X-ray of cervical spine is done to exclude the cause. Head CT or MRI is considered necessary only when the headache pattern has changed recently or there is a positive finding on neurological examination.

Treatment

Relaxation, massage, hot bath and avoiding the risk factors can help in reducing the symptoms. Relief measures include resting in quiet and dark place with cold cloth over the eyes are also helpful.

Proper physical activity must be maintained along with strengthening exercises of the neck. Lifestyle changes to minimize stress must be followed.

In case of severe condition, medications may be used under physician’s guidance.