Stress Headache
Description
Stress headaches, also called tension headaches, are very common with 30-80% of adults experiencing this type of headache. They most commonly produce pain diffusely over the head and the back of the neck. They may occur as a response to stress or without an inciting event. Tension headaches are considered chronic when they occur at least twice a week for several months.
Symptoms
Band-like headache, headache is almost always on both sides of head, headache that lasts 30 minutes to hours, headache upon awakening, fatigue, only mild light sensitivity or none.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An imaging study may be done to rule out other causes of the headache.
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Treatment includes: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Related Videos
Research
News
(ARA) - What do millions of Americans have in commo...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Beri...
The increased workload in college compared to high ...
In draft guidance published, NICE recommends prucal...
Forget getting high: Some scientists say hallucinog...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Stress headache?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.