Tension Headache
What is it?
Tension headaches are headaches that may tend to occur on both sides of
the head and are often described as tightening in quality. They are usually
mild to moderate severity and often relieved with simple analgesia.
Why
do they occur?
They are thought to be due to contraction of the scalp, neck and back
muscles. It is estimated that 95% of men and 99% of women will experience
these type of headaches at some time in their life.
Symptoms
can include….
A
tight, squeezing, gripping pain across the forehead, pain behind the eyes,
and over the top of the head, often settling in the back of the neck.
Pain is made worse by movement of the head. Tension headaches do not
usually involve neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness
and they rarely cause nausea or sensitivity to light or sound occurs.
Causes
and risks
The
causes are unknown but may associated with sinusitis, ear infections,
dental conditions, arthritis to the upper spine, and commonly tiredness
and stress. Tension headaches can also be related to excessive use of
caffeine, alcohol, and use of some medications such as regular use of
painkillers.
How
is the condition diagnosed?
It
can be difficult to distinguish from a migraine, but a detailed history
is usually what makes the diagnosis. No investigations are needed, but
sometime a doctor may run some test to exclude other causes.
Treatments.
Head messages as well as rest and sleep can be very useful. Identification of stressors and addressing these can also be very helpful. Behavioural interventions, and counselling, family therapy, physical exercise and dietary instruction can all be very effective. If medication must be used, simple analgesics, such as aspirin, paracetamol, non-steroidal medications should be used first. Narcotic should be avoided, but can be useful for occasional severe headaches.
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