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Tension Headache

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

A simple tension headache usually lasts a few hours and has no other symptoms.

Causes

Among the many culprits are tension, stress, eye or muscle strain, depression, allergic reactions, changes in your sleeping pattern, colds and flu, alcohol, caffeine, certain foods and medicines, and weather changes. Changes in hormone levels during a woman's monthly period can also be at fault. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Signs/Symptoms

Pain from a tension headache can be constant or throbbing, and can be centered anywhere in your head. In addition, muscles in your neck or head may feel tight. You may wake up with a headache and may not be able to sleep.

Care

Take over-the-counter pain-killers. If the pain does not go away, you may need stronger prescription medication.

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.

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