The Vise Grip of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. The steady, dull pain is often felt in the forehead, temples or back of the neck. Tension headaches often feel like a tight band is encircling the head.
Most tension headaches are over after an hour or two, but they can last for days. They are usually not linked with other symptoms, and there is no pre-headache syndrome as is often seen in migraine headaches. Stress and emotions like depression or anxiety can trigger tension headaches. You may have more tension headaches during a stressful period in your life, only to find them go away when life is back to an even keel.
What causes tension headache?The exact cause is not known. Muscle tension in the head and neck is often related to the headache, but is not the primary cause. Rather, the current theory is that changes in levels of chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins and serotonin, somehow modify pain pathways.
How is tension headache diagnosed?Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. That's usually enough to diagnose tension headache. Be prepared to give a detailed description of your pain, where it hurts and if you have other symptoms, even if they seem unrelated. Talk about any stressful situations that bring on the headaches or life events that may be going on. If you have unusual symptoms, your doctor may order brain imaging tests, such as a head CT or MRI.
How do I know my headache is more serious?Most headaches are not serious. But some headaches are "secondary," due to another medical condition. Rarely, these headaches may be the result of bleeding, stroke, brain tumor or infection.
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