10 May 2019 Author : Raquel Gil-Gouveia Tension headaches can last from about half an hour to several days Their frequency varies from person to person and in the same person. The attacks may be: Episodic : occurring sporadically throughout the month Chronic : occurring more than 15 days a month, called chronic daily headaches Causes of tension headaches Tension headaches do not have a single cause. In some cases they appear to be related to a contraction of the head and neck muscles that react to: Emotional changes: anxiety or stress of different origins Physical changes: lack of rest, posture problems. Tension headache symptoms The pain in tension headaches is bilateral and may also affect the neck region. This pain is: Involves pressure, weight or a tightening sensation; Of varying intensity; Not exacerbated by normal physical activity. It usually begins at the back of the head and neck and affects other regions, with greater intensity in the forehead. Episodic tension headaches Episodic tension headaches are normally triggered by: Fatigue; Anxiety; Hunger; Occasional stress. Episodic tension headache is not accompanied by nausea, and is usually sporadic rather than in a pattern. Some patients may be more sensitive to light and noise when they have a headache. Episodic tension headaches with only occasional attacks do not require medical care and are usually treated with: Common over-the-counter pain medications, such as paracetamol; Elimination of the source of stress; A period of rest and relaxation. Chronic tension headaches Chronic tension headaches may be caused by a number of problems, such as anxiety or depression. Changes in sleep patterns may occur in chronic tension headaches especially when associated with anxiety or depression. Headaches may occur at a particular time of the day and involve: Dizziness; Nausea; Difficulty concentrating; Ongoing fatigue. Seek medical care if these symptoms occur. Because of their greater frequency and intensity, chronic tension headaches require a thorough medical approach to diagnosis and treatment, as it is necessary to identify and reduce or eliminate the factors that trigger and exacerbate the headaches. Frequent, continued use of painkillers to treat successive headaches may not have the desired effect and lead to medication-overuse headaches. The aims of pharmacological treatment of chronic tension headaches are to: Eliminate symptoms: symptomatic treatment during attacks; Reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, in which case treatment lasts beyond attacks: prophylactic treatment. In addition to pharmacological treatment, treatment of chronic tension headaches also involves other measures, including: Identification and control of the triggering factors; Relaxation exercises; Acupuncture; Correction of posture problems. Meet the neurology team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
