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Tension headache Causes and Risks:
Tension headache is one of the most common forms of headache . It can occur at any age but is most common in adults and adolescents. This type of headache occurs in people of either sex. It often occurs as an isolated incident. If headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic .
Tension headache is a result of contraction of the neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress , depression , or anxiety . Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position 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 can also trigger this type of headache.
Other causes include eye strain, fatigue , alcohol use , excessive smoking , excessive caffeine use, or conditions such as sinus infection , nasal congestion , overexertion, colds , influenza , etc. Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.
Prevention:
Avoid situations that may cause tension headache. This can include keeping warm if the headache is associated with cold, using a different pillow or sleeping position, or similar activities. Use good posture when reading, working, or involved in activities that may cause headache . Exercise the neck and shoulders frequently.
Symptoms:
- headache
- dull, pressure-like
- generalized, worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck
- not one sided
- 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, and so on
- difficulty sleeping
Signs and Tests:
Headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and that responds to treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing. If a neurologic examination is performed, tension headache causes no abnormal findings.
The health care provider should be consulted (to rule out other disorders that can cause head pain ) if a headache is severe, persistent, or if other symptoms accompany the headache. Headaches that disturb sleep, occur whenever the person is active, or that are recurrent or chronic may also require examination and treatment by the health care provider.
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence of the headache. Prevention is the best treatment. Remove or control precipitating factors.
Learn and practice stress management strategies. Relaxation through meditation, relaxation exercises, or other means, can be helpful for some people. Biofeedback (a means of providing information about certain body functions) may aid in performance of relaxation exercises and may be helpful for chronic tension headache.
Other preventive measures may include keeping warm if the headache is associated with cold, using a different pillow or sleeping position, or similar activities. Use good posture when reading, working, or being involved in activities that may cause headache. Exercise the neck and shoulders frequently when typing, working on computers, doing close work, and so on.
Adequate sleep and rest or massage of sore muscles can help reduce a headache. Hot or cold showers or baths may relieve a headache for some people.
Over-the-counter analgesics may relieve pain if the above measures are ineffective. An antidepressant or other medications may be advised for chronic headache.
A headache diary may be used to try to identify the source of chronic headaches. When headache occurs, write down the date and time the headache began. Note what was eaten for the preceding 24 hours, sleep pattern and amount, what was being experienced immediately before the headache, unusual stress or other circumstance, how long the headache lasted, and what made it stop.
Lifestyle changes may be required for chronic tension headaches. This may include adequate rest and exercise, change in job or recreational habits, or other changes.
Prognosis:
Tension headaches usually responds well to treatment without residual effects. They are annoying but not dangerous.
Complications:
The headache may not be a tension headache but may be a symptom of another more serious disorder.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if headaches occur and are severe, persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by other symptoms (such as drowsiness , vision changes, changes in movement or sensation, seizures , changes in alertness, nausea/vomiting , or other symptoms).
Also call if headaches disturb sleep, occur whenever the person is active, are recurrent or chronic , or if a headache does not respond to treatment.
This is an illustration of the major areas of the brain. Each area has one or more specific functions.
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