Tension-Type
Headaches Almost 90% of all persons seeking medical help for headaches suffer from tension-type headaches.
These are characterized by a diffuse ache that either spreads over the entire head or feels like a tight headband. Tension-type
headaches can be subdivided into episodic and chronic. The episodic form, which has been experienced by almost everyone, is recurrent and mild. Sufferers will usually relieve the pain with over-the-counter
analgesics and do not consult a physician.
The chronic form, however, usually occurs daily, and may continue for many years. It does not respond to simple analgesics and is usually associated with poor sleep, characterized by frequent and early awakening. Chronic tension-type headaches may be due to inherent anxiety or depression. Also, most postÐhead trauma headaches are considered chronic tension-type headaches. The headaches are treated according to the underlying cause, for example, with antidepressant drugs or mild anxiety-relieving agents. However, responding to antidepressant therapy does not necessarily imply that the patient is depressed. Antidepressants also have an inherent pain-relieving action. Patients with chronic daily headaches have an increased potential for habituation to analgesics, whether prescription or over the counter. Some of these cases have to be treated through psychotherapy. Biofeedback has also been used to teach tension-type headache patients how to prevent the muscle spasms that bring on their pain. It also is helpful for teaching patients relaxation techniques.