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Subject: Re: Tension Headaches
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum
Topic Area:
Posted by CCF Neurology MD on September 05, 1997 at 01:06:54:
In Reply to: Tension Headaches posted by RoseMarie Eisenhauer on September 02, 1997 at 13:50:23:
: How does one differentiate between tension headaches and migraines?
My headaches begin at the back of the head, and the pain progresses
to the top of my head while increasing in intensity. When it becomes
severe, light hurts my eyes and I become nauseous. Until recently,
the timing of the headaches centered around my ovulation and menstruation.
This month the headaches have continued past my cycle; I have suffered
one each day for 10 days now (formerly, I had them 2-4 days at most). The
mornings are fine, but by mid afternoon/early evening, the pain begins.
I am 36 y/o and weigh 110 lbs, and 600 mg Ibuprofen does little to ease the pain. My
husband gave me one of his Fiorinal tablets (given to him for post-
concussion headache), and it did nothing to ease the pain. Is it
psychologically based (i.e., stress/tension) or is it something
physiologically based? I am a little concerned as my uncle died after
brain tumor surgery (20 yrs ago), and my 34 y/o brother is being treated
for an acoustic neuroma. Should I see a doctor right away, or is this
"just" a tension headache? Thank you. RoseMarie Eisenhauer
Dear RoseMarie: Migraine headaches are episodic headaches, often throbbing and on one side of the head, and often associated with nausea, vomiting, intolerance to light/sound, and dizziness. They often run in families. At times they may linked to the menstrual cycle, like in your case. I feel convinced that you do have migraine headaches. There are times when a person with migraines gets an aggravation of his or her headaches, and the headaches can occur daily, or even continuously, for weeks on end. There are effective remedies available for such an eventuality.
Tension-type headaches are daily continuous headaches of longer duration (often months to years). They are generally milder, not throbbing, and often band-like around or all over the head. There is of course a grey area or spectrum between migraine and tension-type headache.
As a general rule, a change in the pattern, nature, or character of headaches is an indication to see a neurologist or an internist with experience in headache care. Such a change may be the only sign early on of a new serious brain problem.
Your strong family history of brain tumors is indeed somewhat worrisome.
If you live in the Cleveland area, I suggest that you see any of the headache specialists at the Cleveland Clinic. Drs. Gretter, Kunkel, and Solomon are nationally renowned.
An appointment can be made at the Cleveland Clinic by calling up (216)44-5665, or (800)223-2273 toll free.
I wish you the best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.
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