Symptoms of tension headaches
Usually, a tension headache [4] is described as a squeezing sensation, like a hoop, hard hat, or tight cap. Headache, usually bilateral, often spreads to other areas or, conversely, originates from the back of the head and spreads upward. The pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity, but sometimes it can be severe enough to make it difficult to do daily activities. In most cases, Tension headaches are not accompanied by concomitant symptoms.
The most common symptoms of Tension headache are explained below;
Depending on the duration, the following types of tension headaches are distinguished:
- Episodic – lasts from 30 minutes [7] to 1 week. Frequent attacks of tension headaches are considered when they occur for no more than 15 days a month, for 3 months. Such headaches can eventually transform into type 2.
- Chronic – lasts for hours or days. It is recognized as chronic if it occurs within 15 or more days over 3 months.
– Other associated symptoms: It does not provoke the appearance of bouts of nausea or vomiting [8], but, nevertheless, this pain also has accompanying phenomena, such as intolerance to bright light [9] and loud sounds, nervousness, as well as increased fatigue. It can cause also difficulty falling asleep [10]. People with tension headaches try to relieve the condition by massaging the scalp and lower neck.
Tension headaches are as common in children as in adults or the elderly. Therefore, when establishing a diagnosis, in the last place, attention should be paid to the patient’s age, it is much more important what factors provoked its appearance.