Tension headache history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sabeeh Islam, MBBS[2]

Tension-type headache pain is often described as a constant pressure, as if the head were being squeezed in a vise. The pain is frequently bilateral which means it is present on both sides of the head at once. Tension-type headache pain is typically mild to moderate, but may be severe. In contrast to migraine, the pain does not increase during exercise.

• Tension headache is a featureless headache and typically presents as bilateral, mild to moderate intensity, nonthrobbing headache without any associated features such as nausea or vomiting.^[1][2]

• The headache pain may be described as:
  • Dull, pressure-like (not throbbing)
  • A tight band or vise on the head
  • All over the head
  • Worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and possibly in the shoulders
• Increased pericranial muscle (head, neck or shoulders) and myofascial tissue tenderness

• The pain may occur as an isolated event, constantly, or daily.

• People with tension headaches tend to try to relieve pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck.

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