Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents. If a headache occurs 2 or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. Tension headaches can occur when the patient also has a migraine.
Tension headaches result from the contraction (tensing) of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger this type of headache.
Other causes include eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with structural abnormalities in the brain.
Symptoms
Headache
Dull, pressure-like
Generalized (all over, not just in one point or one side), worse in the scalp, temples or back of the neck
Feels like a tight band or vise on the head
Occurs as an isolated incident, or occurs constantly or daily
Worsened or triggered by stress, fatigue, noise, glare
A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and which responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing. If a neurologic (nervous system) examination is performed, a tension headache causes no abnormal findings. However, tenderness in the muscles near the skull is often present.
Mixed tension migraine (1 image)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Mixed tension migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headaches. See also: Headache; Tension headache; Migraine with aura; Migraine without aura. Reviewer: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 03/05/2007
Premenstrual syndrome (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) involves symptoms that occur in relation to the menstrual cycle and which interfere with the woman's life. The symptoms usually begin 5 to 11 days before the start of menstruation. Symptoms usually stop when menstruation begins, or shortly thereafter. See also premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD. Reviewer: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 06/19/2006
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