Tension-type headache
Last updated: November 26, 2020Summary
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a primary headache disorder and the most common type of headache overall. Tension-type headaches are characterized by a dull, nonpulsating, band-like pain that is often bilateral. Autonomic symptoms like photophobia, phonophobia, or nausea are usually not present. Depending on the frequency and duration of episodes, tension-type headaches are classified as episodic or chronic. Infrequent episodic tension-type headaches are treated with NSAIDs, while chronic and frequent episodic forms may benefit from prophylactic amitriptyline. Nonpharmacological treatment options include lifestyle modification (e.g., stress reduction) and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Epidemiology
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Occurrence
- Most common type of headache
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∼ 86% of the population will have had at least one episode in their lifetime. [1][2]
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Sex: ♀ > ♂ [2]
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Peak incidence: 30–39 years [3]
Epidemiological data refers to the US, unless otherwise specified.
Etiology
- The exact pathophysiology of tension headaches remains unknown.
- Exacerbating factors: fatigue, lack of sleep, poor posture, anxiety, stress, depression
References:[4]
Clinical features
- Episodic nature
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Headaches last 30 minutes to a couple of days. [4]
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Holocranial or bifrontal, band-like headache (mild to moderate intensity)
- Dull, pressing, nonpulsating ("vice-like”) quality
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Headache does not increase with exertion.
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Maximum of one autonomic symptom (nausea, phonophobia, or photophobia)
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No vomiting or aura
- Palpation of muscles of the head may reveal increased pericranial tenderness.
Diagnostics
Tension-type headache is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on a history of typical features and normal neurological examination. Severe underlying conditions should be ruled out (see red flags for headache and “Diagnostics” in “Headache”). A headache diary can be helpful to establish the diagnosis and guide management. [5]
Diagnostic criteria for tension-type headaches [4][5]
- At least two of the following:
- Dull, pressing, nonpulsating quality
- Mild to moderate intensity
- Bilateral
- No increase in intensity with exertion
- Not better explained by any other headache disorder
- Categorized into three entities (which guide treatment); all criteria have to be fulfilled for the diagnosis [4]
Classification of tension-type headache [4]
|
Characteristics | Infrequent episodic tension-type headache | Frequent episodic tension-type headache | Chronic tension-type headache |
Frequency |
- ≥ 10 episodes
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< 1 day/month or < 12 days/year
|
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≥ 10 episodes on 1–14 days/month
- For > 3 months (≥ 12 and < 180 days/year)
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- ≥ 15 days/month
- For > 3 months (≥ 180 days/year)
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Duration |
|
|
- Hours–days
- May be continuous
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Autonomic symptoms |
- No nausea or vomiting
- No more than one of photophobia or phonophobia
|
- Only one of the following:
- No moderate or severe nausea or vomiting
|
Differential diagnoses
Treatment
General principles [4]
Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies can be used for the treatment of tension-type headache. In addition, any underlying conditions (e.g., depression) should be identified and treated.
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Pharmacological therapy
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Non-pharmacological therapy: Consider if there is a significant decrease in patient's quality of life.
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Lifestyle and behavioral modification (e.g., exercise, weight reduction)
- Psychobehavioral treatments (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training)
Avoid prolonged use (> 15 days/month) of NSAIDs for chronic tension headache, as this may cause medication overuse headaches. [4]
Pharmacological therapy
Episodic tension-type headache [5][6]
Nonpharmacological treatment [5][7]
- Lifestyle and behavioral changes (identification and management of triggers)
- Treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., depression)
- Additional nonpharmacological therapies include: [5]
Acute management checklist
References
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