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Tension-type headache

Cephalea tensionis · Tenzní bolest hlavy

What it is

Band-like pressure headache, the commonest of all.

Symptoms & signs

  • Bilateral tight-band pressure
  • neck and scalp tenderness
  • no nausea

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Sudden worst-ever headache, peaking within a minute
  • call 112 / 911 now Headache with fever, stiff neck or a rash
  • see a doctor soon New or changed headache after 50
  • see a doctor soon Headache on most days, or needing painkillers more than 10 days a month

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Ibuprofen or paracetamol (limit to <10 days/month)
  • amitriptyline for chronic cases

Natural & lifestyle

  • Posture correction
  • screen breaks
  • neck stretching
  • massage
  • heat
  • stress reduction
  • sleep hygiene

Emerging & experimental

  • Peripheral nerve blocks
  • mindfulness-based stress reduction protocols

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Acupuncture — trials show fewer headache days in frequent sufferers trials support
  • Peppermint oil on the forehead — trials found it about as good as paracetamol mixed evidence
  • Scalp massagers and pressure-point tools — anecdotal anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes