Tension Headache

Tension Headache

A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren't well understood. 

Treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using medications appropriately. [1]

What Is a Tension Headache

A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Some patients say that a tension headache feels like a tight band around their forehead.

The majority of people who suffer from tension headaches have episodic headaches, which occur one or two times per month on average. However, tension headaches can also be chronic. Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension headaches as men.

Causes

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. Cold temperatures may also trigger a tension headache. Other triggers for tension headaches include: eye strain, dry eyes, poor posture, emotional stress

Symptoms

Symptoms of a tension headache include: dull head pain. In rare cases, a tension headache can cause sensitivity to light and loud noise, similar to migraines. 

Treat a Tension Headache

You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to get rid of a tension headache. According to the Mayo Clinic, using OTC medications too much may lead to “overuse” or ”rebound” headaches. OTC drugs are sometimes not enough to treat recurring tension headaches. 

If painkillers are not working, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxant, which is a medication that helps stop muscle contractions. Stress management classes to teach you ways to cope with stress and how to relieve tension, cognitive behavioral therapy, which is talk therapy that helps you recognize situations that cause you stress, anxiety, and tension.

Some supplements may also help relieve tension headaches. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the following supplements may help prevent tension headaches:

Preventing

Since tension headaches are often caused by specific triggers, identifying the factors that cause your headaches is one way to prevent future episodes.

A headache diary will help you determine the cause of your tension headaches. For each day that you have a tension headache, make a note of it.

Outlook

Tension headaches often respond to treatment and rarely cause any permanent neurological damage. Still, chronic tension headaches can affect your quality of life. If it becomes a serious problem, talk to your doctor.

Seek medical attention immediately if you have a headache that starts suddenly or a headache accompanied by slurred speech, loss of balance, or a high fever. [2]

Source: [1] [2]

Headache Causes

Headache Causes

Primary headaches

A primary headache is caused by problems with or overactivity of pain-sensitive structures in your head. A primary headache isn't a symptom of an underlying disease. The most common primary headaches are: Cluster headache, Tension headache (medically known as tension-type headache), Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia (TAC), including cluster headache and paroxysmal hemicrania

There are other headache patterns that are generally considered types of primary headache but are less common. Chronic daily headaches, Cough headaches, Exercise headaches, Sex headaches

Some primary headaches can be triggered by lifestyle factors, including: Changes in sleep or lack of sleep, Poor posture, Skipped meals, Stress,  [1]

Direct physical stimuli, such as temperature and external pressure, Pain over the scalp (epicranial), Physical exertion, Other miscellaneous headaches. [2]

Secondary headaches

A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. Any number of conditions — varying greatly in severity — may cause secondary headaches.

Sources of secondary headaches include: Acute sinusitis, Arterial tears (carotid or vertebral dissections), Blood clot (venous thrombosis) within the brain — separate from stroke, Brain aneurysm (a bulge in an artery in your brain), Brain AVM (an abnormal formation of brain blood vessels), Carbon monoxide poisoning , Concussion, Dehydration, Dental problems, Ear infection (middle ear), Encephalitis (brain inflammation), Glaucoma, Hangovers, Influenza (flu), Intracranial hematoma (blood vessel ruptures in the brain), Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord), Monosodium glutamate (MSG), Overuse of pain medication, Panic attacks and panic disorder, Post-concussion syndrome, Pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure inside the skull), Toxoplasmosis, Trigeminal neuralgia (disruption of the nerve connecting the face and brain) [1]

Blood clots, Brain freeze (ice cream headaches),  Carbon monoxide poisoning,  Concussion, Overuse of pain medication (rebound headaches), Panic attacks, Stroke. [2]

Specific types of secondary headaches include: External compression headaches (a result of pressure-causing headgear), Ice cream headaches (commonly called brain freeze), Rebound headaches (caused by overuse of pain medication), Sinus headaches (caused by inflammation and congestion in sinus cavities), Spinal headaches (caused by low levels of cerebrospinal fluid, possibly the result of trauma, spinal tap or spinal anesthesia), Thunderclap headaches (a group of disorders that involves sudden, severe headaches) [1]

Source: [1] [2]

Sinus Headache Symptoms

Sinus Headache is a common complaint in the general population. But just what is sinus headache? Common symptoms include facial pain and pressure, nasal and sinus congestion, and headache.  Numerous over the counter medications are marketed for these symptoms and reinforce the belief that this condition is common.[1]

Sinus Headaches Symptoms

Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of the nose. The pain usually intensifies with sudden head movement or straining. The pain is usually accompanied by other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling.

Although many chronic headaches are labeled sinus headaches, most of these chronic headaches are in fact migraine or tension headaches. The treatment varies depending on the type of headache. That is why it is important for your doctor to determine whether your headache symptoms are actually caused by your sinuses. If your headache is truly caused by a sinus blockage, such as an infection, you will likely have a fever. Usually the history and physical exam are sufficient to determine if there is a blockage in your sinuses, but in some instances, CT and MRI scans will be needed.[2]

Sources; [1] [2]

Sinus Headache

What is Sinus Headache?

Sinus headache: A headache caused by pressure within the sinus cavities of the head, usually in connection with sinus infection. The sufferer has pain and tenderness in the sinus area, discharge from the nose, and sometimes a swollen face. Treatment involves treating the underlying condition, which is often an allergy, and using nasal vasoconstrictors and analgesic medications.[1]

What causes Sinus Headaches?

The sinuses are small air spaces in the skull, found behind the nose, eyes and cheeks. They open out into the nose, allowing mucus to drain and air to circulate normally.

When the lining of the nose and upper airways becomes infected – for example, with a cold – the infection can spread to the sinuses and cause them to become swollen. The small opening from the sinuses to the nose can become blocked, which leads to a build-up of pressure inside the sinuses. This is known as sinusitis.

For some people with sinusitis, the pressure builds up to such an extent that it causes pain, or a sinus headache.

You may feel stuffy and congested for a while, but it normally gets better once the cold goes away.

Sinusitis and sinus headaches can last much longer. This usually only happens if bacteria infect the trapped mucus, or your sinuses repeatedly swell up because of an allergy.[2]

Sources; [1] [2]

Cluster Headaches

What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headache is pain that occurs along one side of the head. It's frequently described as pain that occurs around, behind, or above the eye and along the temple in cyclic patterns or clusters. The pain of a cluster headache is very severe. Many patients describe a “drilling” type of sensation.

For classification as a true cluster headache, associated autonomic features such as tearing/watering of the eye, redness of the conjunctiva, rhinorrhea or nasal stuffiness, eyelid drooping,sweating on one side of the face, or changes in pupil size (with the pupil on the affected side becoming notably smaller) are usually present. The headache lasts from 15 minutes to a maximum duration of about 3 hours. However, the headache can recur up to eight times daily. [1]

What Causes Cluster Headaches?

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown. However, the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the base of the brain (the trigeminal-autonomic reflex pathway) is activated. The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve of the face responsible for sensations (such as heat or pain.)

When activated, the trigeminal nerve causes the eye pain associated with cluster headaches. The trigeminal nerve also stimulates another group of nerves that causes the eye tearing and redness, nasal congestion, and discharge associated with cluster attacks.

The activation of the trigeminal nerve appears to come from a deeper part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is home to our "internal biologic clock," which regulates our sleep and wake cycles on a 24-hour schedule. Recent imaging studies have shown activation or stimulation of the hypothalamus during a cluster attack.[2]

Source; [1] [2]

Tension Headache

What is Tension Headache?

Headache Corner, A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that's often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren't well understood.

Treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using medications appropriately.[1]

Causes

Tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety.

They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and older teens.

Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or other computer work, fine work with the hands, and using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache.

Other triggers of tension headaches include:

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

Tension headaches can occur when you also have a migraine. Tension headaches are not associated with brain diseases.[2]

Sources [1] [2]

Types of Headaches

What kind of headache is it?

It's important to figure out what type of headache is causing your pain. If you know your headache type, you can treat it correctly.

There are 5 Types of Headache :

1.      Tension Headaches

Tension headaches, the most common type, feel like a constant ache or pressure around the head, especially at the temples or back of the head and neck. Not as severe as migraines, they don't usually cause nausea or vomiting, and they rarely halt daily activities.

Over-the-counter treatments, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), are usually sufficient to treat them. Experts believe these may be caused by the contraction of neck and scalp muscles (including in response to stress), and possibly changes in brain chemicals.

2.  Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches, which affect more men than women, are recurring headaches that occur in groups or cycles. They appear suddenly and are characterized by severe, debilitating pain on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by a watery eye and nasal congestion or a runny nose on the same side of the face.

During an attack, people often feel restless and unable to get comfortable; they are unlikely to lie down, as someone with a migraine might. The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but there may be a genetic component. There is no cure, but medication can cut the frequency and duration.

3.      Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

However, many people who assume they have headaches from sinusitis, including many who have received such a diagnosis, actually have migraines or tension headaches.

4.      Rebound Headaches

Rebound headaches, also known as Medication–Overuse Headaches, are caused by the near-daily use of a headache medication.  Rather than being the solution, the medication becomes part of the problem.  A rule of thumb is that if you are taking medication for your headache 10 or more days of the month, the medication may actually be perpetuating, or even causing the problem.

Rebound Headaches are common.  Typically, when someone gets a headache, they reach for a standard over-the-counter remedy, such as Tylenol, Excedrin, or Excedrin Migraine – which is appropriate.  Unfortunately, sometimes the headaches become more frequent, or harder to treat.  When this happens, the right thing to do is to consult your doctor – there may be a serious medical issue, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or even a brain tumor.  However, a very common coping strategy is just to take more and more of the same medication and hope that things will get better eventually.  And this can lead to “Rebound Headaches“.

5.      Migraine Headache

Migraine Headache, Although many people use the term "migraine" to describe any severe headache, a migraine headache is the result of specific physiologic changes that occur within the brain and lead to the characteristic pain and associated symptoms of a migraine.

Migraine headaches are usually associated with sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. In addition, many patients experience nausea or vomiting. The headache of a migraine often involves only one side of the head but in some cases, patients may experience pain bilaterally or on both sides. The pain of a migraine is often described as throbbing or pounding and it may be made worse with physical exertion.

In some cases, patients with migraines experience specific warning symptoms, or an aura, prior to the onset of their headache. These warning symptoms can range from flashing lights or a blind spot in one eye to numbness or weakness involving one side of the body. The aura may last for several minutes, and then resolves as the head pain begins or may last until the headache resolves. For patients who have never experienced an aura, the symptoms can be frightening and can mimic the symptoms of a stroke.

Not all headaches represent migraines, and migraine is not the only condition that can cause severe and debilitating headaches. For example, cluster headaches are very severe headaches that affect one side of the head in a recurrent manner (occurring in a "cluster" over time). The pain is sometimes described as "drilling," and can be worse than migraine pain in some cases. Cluster headaches are less common than migraine.

REFERENCES :

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20484672_4,00.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sinus-headaches/basics/definition/con-20025426

http://www.amentheadachecenter.com/headaches/rebound-headaches/

http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine/article.htm

What is Headache

Headache corner, A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and sometimes by taking medicines.

Headache is defined as a pain arising from the head or upper neck of the body. The pain originates from the tissues and structures that surround the skull or the brain because the brain itself has no nerves that give rise to the sensation of pain (pain fibers).

The thin layer of tissue (periosteum) that surrounds bones, muscles that encase the skull, sinuses, eyes, and ears, as well as thin tissues that cover the surface of the brain and spinal cord (meninges), arteries, veins, and nerves, all can become inflamed or irritated and cause headache. The pain may be a dull ache, sharp, throbbing, constant, intermittent, mild, or intense.

Headaches are usually caused by either muscle tension, vascular problems, or both. Migraines are vascular in origin, and may be preceded by visual disturbances, loss of peripheral vision, and fatigue. Most headaches can be relieved or ameliorated by over-the-counter pain medications.

Sources; [1] [2] [3]