Tension headache

Alternative names:

benign headache; headache - tension; muscle contraction headache

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.