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In this Article

• Introduction to tension headaches
• Who gets tension headaches?
• What causes tension headaches?
• What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
• How are tension headaches treated?
• Treating the headache
• Headache & Migraine Triggers - Slideshow
• Take the Headache Quiz
• Patient Discussions: Tension Headache - Symptoms
• Tension Headache Glossary
• Tension Headache Index
• Find a local Neurologist in your town

What Are the Symptoms of Tension Headaches?

People with tension headaches commonly report these symptoms:

• Mild to moderate pain or pressure affecting the front, top or sides of the head
• Headache occurring later in the day
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Disturbed concentration
• Mild sensitivity to light or noise
• General muscle aching

A tension headache may appear periodically (episodic, less than 15 days per month) or daily (chronic, more than 15 days per month). Chronic tension headaches may vary in intensity throughout the day, but the pain is almost always present.

Unlike migraine headaches, there are no associated neurological symptoms (such as muscle weakness, or blurred vision) in people with tension headaches. In addition, severe sensitivity to light or noise, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting are not symptoms usually associated with tension headaches.

How Are Tension Headaches Treated?

The goals of treatment for tension headaches are to prevent further attacks and relieve any current pain. Prevention includes:

Taking the medications recommended by your doctor

• Pain relievers
• Muscle relaxants
• Antidepressants
• Others

Avoiding or minimizing the causes or triggers

• Stress management/relaxation training
• Biofeedback
• Home treatments