Tension headache

Question 1

Define tension headache

Answer 1

Most common type of headache, considered a “normal, everyday headache”

Question 2

Aetiology of tension headaches

Answer 2

Primary headaches -> no underlying cause

Question 3

Risk factors/triggers of tension headaches

8

Answer 3

Stress/anxiety
Squinting
Poor posture
Fatigue
Dehydration
Missing meals
Bright sunlight
Noise

Question 4

Epidemiology of tension headaches

prevalence, gender/age

Answer 4

Most common type of headache

More common in women & young adults

Question 5

Presenting symptoms of tension headaches

8

Answer 5

Mild/moderate severity
Pressure/tightness around head like a tight band
Pain usually bilateral
Often a relationship with the neck
Can be disabling for a few hrs but doesn’t have specific associated symptoms
Gradual onset
Variable duration
Usually responsive to over the counter medication

Question 6

Signs on examination of tension headaches

Answer 6

Usually normal

Question 7

Investigations for tension headache

Answer 7

None

Question 8

Management of episodic tension headaches

5

Answer 8

Reassurance

Address triggers

Advice on avoiding medications that cause medication induced headaches (e.g. opioids)

Simple analgesia

Tricyclic antidepressants may be considered in frequently recurrent episodic or chronic tension headaches

Question 9

Complications of tension headaches

Answer 9

None

Question 10

Prognosis for tension headaches

3

Answer 10

Good

Not very severe or disabling
Recurs

Question 11

Tension headaches divided into…

2

Answer 11

Episodic - occurs <15 days/month

Chronic - occurs >15 days/month