headaches
Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent form of primary headache, characterized by a dull, aching pain and a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head. These headaches can vary in both frequency and intensity, ranging from occasional to chronic occurrences.
Characteristics:
- Pain Quality: Dull, aching, and non-pulsating.
- Pain Intensity: Mild to moderate.
- Pain Location: Usually bilateral, affecting both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the forehead or at the back of the head and neck.
- Duration: Can last from 30 minutes to several hours; chronic cases can persist for days.
Types:
- Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH): Occurs fewer than 15 days per month.
- Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTTH): Occurs 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
Causes and Triggers:The precise cause of TTH is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute, including:
- Muscle Tension: Strain or tension in the neck and scalp muscles.
- Stress: Emotional or mental stress is a common trigger.
- Poor Posture: Leading to muscle strain.
- Fatigue: Physical or mental exhaustion.
- Eye Strain: From prolonged use of screens or other devices.
Diagnosis:TTH diagnosis is typically based on the clinical history and symptom description. There are no specific diagnostic tests for TTH, but imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may be performed to rule out other potential conditions.
Management:Treatment for tension-type headaches typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and addressing underlying factors such as stress or physical strain.
Tension-type headache is typically characterized by a constant feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing on both sides of the head, accompanied by aching or tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles. Those affected often describe the pain as though they are wearing a tight helmet that progressively tightens around their head. The intensity of the pain can vary from mild to moderate and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. While nausea or vomiting is not associated with tension-type headaches, sensitivity to light or sound may occur.
There are two types of tension-type headaches:
- Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
- Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache is classified based on the frequency of headache days each month. It typically occurs when an individual experiences fewer than 15 headache days per month for at least three months. The duration of these headaches can range from 30 minutes to 7 days.
Recent global studies show that the prevalence of episodic tension-type headaches is about 36% in men and 42% in women. If the frequency of these headaches increases over time, it may progress into Chronic Tension Headache.
Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
Episodic Tension-Type Headache (ETTH)
Chronic Tension-Type Headache is defined by the frequency of headache days experienced each month. Unlike episodic tension headaches, chronic tension headaches occur when an individual has more than 15 headache days per month for at least three months. Some people may experience a persistent headache that lasts all day for 10 to 30 years or longer.
Chronic Tension-Type Headaches are often unresponsive to pain medications, and individuals may also suffer from chronic migraines alongside their tension headaches.