Tension Headache

Tension Headache: Drug Therapy

Therapy goals Prevention of tension headaches Improvement of the symptomatology during an attack of tension headache Therapy recommendations Tension-type headaches often have only mild intensity and do not generally require analgesic (pain-relieving) treatment. Episodic tension-type headaches can be divided into two forms: Without increased pain sensitivity of the pericranial muscles → non-opioid analgesics (paracetamol 500-1,000 … Tension Headache: Drug Therapy

Tension Headache: Diagnostic Tests

Tension headache is diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. Imaging is indicated only when secondary headache (eg, sinusitis) is suspected. Optional medical device diagnosis-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and obligatory medical device diagnosis-for differential diagnosis in atypical headache or other associated symptoms Magnetic resonance imaging of … Tension Headache: Diagnostic Tests

Tension Headache: Prevention

To prevent tension headache, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – see Prevention with micronutrients. Psycho-social situation Anxiety Conflict Stress Muscular tension; including daily consumption of chewing gum (1-6 /die). Oromandibular dysfunction, which is manifested mainly by bruxism (teeth grinding). Malposition of the body … Tension Headache: Prevention

Tension Headache: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The International Headache Society gives the following symptoms for tension headache: Pain usually bilateral (often fronto-occipital; toward forehead (frontal), occiput (occipital); sometimes headband-like). Pain character: dull, pressing and pulling pain. Pain intensity: mild to moderately intense pain. Attack frequency: usually occurs over days or weeks. The pain leads to most sufferers that performance and well-being … Tension Headache: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Tension Headache: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) A recognized pathophysiologic concept of tension headache is lacking to date. Muscle contraction disorders in the neck and face are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis so far. The following factors are further thought to be involved in pathogenesis: Genetic factors, which have not yet been further defined. Oromandibular dysfunction, … Tension Headache: Causes

Tension Headache: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Craniocervical transition anomaly – anatomic variant at the junction of the brain and spinal cord. Respiratory system (J00-J99) Chronic frontal sinusitis (sinusitis). Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Glaucoma attack – eye disease with seizure-like elevated intraocular pressure. Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Skin … Tension Headache: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Tension Headache: Classification

Diagnostic criteria: episodic tension-type headache: International Headache Society (IHS) 2018 (after). A At least 10 headache episodes at < 1 day/month on average (< 12 days/year) and meeting criteria B – D B Headache duration ranges from 30 minutes to 7 days. C Headache has at least two of the following four characteristics: Bilateral localisation … Tension Headache: Classification

Tension Headache: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing) of skin and mucous membranes; dentition [bite marks inside mouth: suspicion of bruxism]. Palpation (palpation) of the spine in the neck area [possibly muscle tension in the neck and … Tension Headache: Examination

Tension Headache: Test and Diagnosis

Tension headache is diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. 2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – to exclude systemic inflammation. Interleukin-6 – to exclude systemic inflammation.

Tension Headache: Medical History

The medical history (history) is an important component in the diagnosis of tension headache. Family history Is there a history of frequent headaches in your family? Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you experience headaches on … Tension Headache: Medical History