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Tension headache risk factors

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

Overview

Overview

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.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

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:


References

References

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