Tension headaches Flashcards

1
Q

What is the defintion of a tension headache?

A

Recurrent band like headache around the forehead

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2
Q

How common is a tension headache?

A

Most common type of headache

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3
Q

What is the pathophysiology of a tension headache?

A

• Neurovascular irritation → referred to scalp muscles and soft tissue

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4
Q

What are the risk factors/aetiology of tension headaches?

A
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Poor posture
  • Poor sleep
  • Stress
  • Muscular tightness
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5
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of tension headache?

A
  • Pressure/tightness bilaterally all around the head
  • Mild/moderate
  • Gradual onset
  • Duration of 30 mins – 7 days
  • Frequent – 10 or more previous headache episodes
  • Pain into/from the neck
  • Associated aura symptoms not present
  • Mild nausea
  • Insomnia
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6
Q

What diseases present similarly to tension headaches?

A
  • Migraine
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Giant cell arteritis
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7
Q

What investigations are carried out for suspected recurrent tension headaches?

A
  • Blood pressure

* Optic fundi

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8
Q

What are the pharmacological treatments for tension headaches?

A
  • Simple analgesia

* Tricyclic antidepressants

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9
Q

What are the non pharmacological treatments for tension headaches?

A
  • Reassurance
  • Pay attention to stress/anxiety/depression
  • Regular exercise
  • Analgesia withdrawal
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