Tension Headache

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• You may use aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain.
• Try some of the following measures to relieve your headache:
  • Stretch and massage the muscles in your shoulders, neck, jaw, and scalp.
  • Take a hot bath.
  • Rest in a quiet, darkened room. Place a warm or cold wet cloth (whichever feels better) over the aching area.
• Don't skip or delay meals. Drink plenty of liquids.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarette smoking; they often make a headache worse.
• A good night's sleep often is the best way to relieve a headache.

Call Your Doctor If...

• Your headache gets worse or lasts longer than 24 hours.
• You develop a high temperature.
• You need to take medicine frequently to relieve headache pain.

Seek Care Immediately If

• Your headache is different from or significantly worse than any headache you ever had before.
• You feel confused or drowsy.
• Your neck feels stiff.
• Your temperature rises very high.
• Your have eye problems such as sensitivity to light or blurred or double vision.
• You start to vomit.