What are tension headaches?
A tension headache is a particular kind of headache that feels like a band tightening around your head.
What causes tension headaches?
Doctors don’t understand exactly why tension headaches happen, but you may get them if you have:
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Pain in other parts of your head and neck
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Problems with sleep
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Lots of stress
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Problems with your jaw (such as temporomandibular joint disorder)
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Eye strain—for example, from spending lots of time looking at a computer screen
What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
You have:
Tension headaches are different from migraines. With a tension headache:
There are 2 types of tension headaches, based on how often they happen:
If you have episodic tension- headaches, your headache may:
If you have chronic tension headaches, your headache may:
How can doctors tell if I have tension headaches?
Certain warning signs suggest your headache is not an ordinary tension headache. See a doctor right away for a headache if you have:
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Changes in your vision, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, loss of balance, or trouble speaking
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A fever and stiff neck
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A sudden, very severe headache that came on like a thunderclap
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Tenderness at your temple (as when combing hair) or jaw pain when chewing
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Cancer, AIDS, or a weak immune system
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A worsening headache
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Red eyes and halos seen around lights
How do doctors treat tension headaches?
Doctors may tell you to:
If you have chronic tension headaches, doctors may give you medicine. Sometimes medicines for migraines can help treat tension headaches too.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
acetaminophen |
TYLENOL |
ibuprofen |
ADVIL, MOTRIN IB |
aspirin |
No US brand name |
