Tension headaches Flashcards
1
Q
What is the defintion of a tension headache?
A
Recurrent band like headache around the forehead
2
Q
How common is a tension headache?
A
Most common type of headache
3
Q
What is the pathophysiology of a tension headache?
A
• Neurovascular irritation → referred to scalp muscles and soft tissue
4
Q
What are the risk factors/aetiology of tension headaches?
A
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor posture
- Poor sleep
- Stress
- Muscular tightness
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
6
Q
What diseases present similarly to tension headaches?
A
- Migraine
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Giant cell arteritis
7
Q
What investigations are carried out for suspected recurrent tension headaches?
A
- Blood pressure
* Optic fundi
8
Q
What are the pharmacological treatments for tension headaches?
A
- Simple analgesia
* Tricyclic antidepressants
9
Q
What are the non pharmacological treatments for tension headaches?
A
- Reassurance
- Pay attention to stress/anxiety/depression
- Regular exercise
- Analgesia withdrawal
