Tension headache risk factors

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

Various precipitating factors may cause TTH in susceptible individuals. One half of patients with TTH identify stress or hunger as a precipitating factor; stress, sleep deprivation, irregular meal time (hunger), eyestrain. Other triggers of tension headaches include: alcohol , caffeine, colds, the flu, or a sinus infection, dental problems such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding, excessive smoking and fatigue or overexertion.

Various precipitating factors may cause TTH in susceptible individuals. One half of patients with TTH identify stress or hunger as a precipitating factor;

• Stress – Usually occurs in the afternoon after long stressful work hours
• Sleep deprivation
• Uncomfortable stressful position and/or bad posture
• Irregular meal time (hunger)
• Eyestrain

Other triggers of tension headaches include:

• Alcohol use
• Caffeine (too much or withdrawal)
• Colds, the flu, or a sinus infection
• Dental problems such as jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Excessive smoking
• Fatigue or overexertion

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