TENSION HEADACHE

THE TENSION HEADACHE

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Tension headache is the most common headache in the population, with the prevalence of episodic tension headache being approximately 80%. Due to its high prevalence, this type of headache is responsible for significant disability and has socioeconomic impact.

There are two subtypes of tension headache - episodic (most frequent) and chronic.

In episodic tension headache, the most frequent, headache usually arises in the context of an emotional stress event and is characterized by:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Pain on both sides of the face (bilateral)
• Pain characterized by tightness or “helmet”
• Pain that does not worsen with daily physical activity
• Pain and discomfort that may be associated with cervical stiffness/discomfort
• Pain lasting minutes to days
• Pain that usually responds to analgesic therapy

The chronic form evolves from the episodic form, with the clinical characteristics of pain being similar. Headache occurs on ≥ 15 days per month, for more than 3 months per year, and can last for hours to days or be continuous.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is clinical, requiring detailed clinical history and neurological examination.

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT

Regular physical exercise and adequate sleep.

PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT

We offer pharmacological treatment for different cases, some of which may be carried out with type A toxin.