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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:19 Causes of tension headaches
1:01 Symptoms of tension headaches
1:30 Treatment for tension headaches
2:55 Prevention of tension headaches




Tension headache, also known as stress headache, or tension-type headache (TTH), is the most common type of primary headache. The pain can radiate from the lower back of the head, the neck, eyes or other muscle groups in the body typically affecting both sides of the head. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches.

Pain medications, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are effective for the treatment of tension headache.[1][2] Tricyclic antidepressants appear to be useful for prevention.[3] Evidence is poor for SSRIs, propranolol and muscle relaxants.[4][5]

As of 2016, tension headaches affect about 1.89 billion people[6] and are more common in women than men (23% to 18% respectively).[7] According to the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders,[8] the attacks must meet the following criteria:

A duration of between 30 minutes and 7 days.
At least two of the following four characteristics:
bilateral location
pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) quality
mild or moderate intensity
not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs
Both of the following:
no nausea or vomiting
no more than one of photophobia (sensitivity to bright light) or phonophobia (sensitivity to loud sounds)

Tension-type headaches may be accompanied by tenderness of the scalp on manual pressure during an attack.[citation needed]