Illustrations and Images (4)
Tension headache
Symptoms

The headache pain may be described as:

  • Dull, pressure-like
  • A tight band or vise on the head
  • All over (not just in one point or one side)
  • Worse in the scalp, temples. or back of the neck

The pain may cccurs as an insolated event, constantly, or daily. Pain may last for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise, or glare.

There may be difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause nausea or vomiting.

Review date: June 19, 2008
Reviewed by: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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