Tension headache – Diagnosis and treatment in India

Headaches triggered by tension or stress are among the most common types of headaches in adults. Those suffering from tension headaches may feel a dull pain, tightness, or pressure around their forehead or the back of their head and neck. It often feels like a tight band is wrapped around the head, causing the pain.

People may experience episodic tension headaches once or twice per month on average or suffer from chronic tension headaches, which occur for over 15 days a month for at least three months.

Tension headaches usually do not require treatment as they often do not cause severe pain and may go away on their own. However, if they persist or cause regular discomfort, our expert doctors at Metro Hospitals can provide comprehensive treatment using a patient-centric approach.

Treatment Procedures

Before proceeding with additional tests and scans, doctors at Metro Hospitals follow a set of procedures to help reduce the occurrence of tension headaches and determine their cause

1. Consultation
   Doctors will ask in-depth questions to determine the cause and severity of the headaches. Questions may cover the time, length, frequency, and location of the headaches. Further questions might include any recent changes in behavior or personality, if changes in position aggravate the headaches, difficulty in falling asleep, recent stress, or any head trauma or injury. Accurate answers help doctors reach a correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.
2. Medication
   Following the consultation, doctors may prescribe certain medications to relieve headaches. Over-the-counter pain medications are often effective for episodic tension headaches. However, medications should be used as prescribed and not occasionally to avoid “rebound” headaches. Depending on the patient’s condition, doctors may prescribe medications combined with caffeine or a sedative, as these are more effective than single-ingredient painkillers. Other medications may include antidepressants and muscle relaxers.
3. Diet
   Doctors will inquire about dietary habits, as certain foods may trigger tension headaches. They will advise against skipping meals, especially breakfast, and may ask patients to maintain meal logs to identify potential food triggers.
4. Exercise
   Regular exercise sessions of 30 minutes may be recommended to help reduce tension headaches.
5. Stress management
   Stress and lack of sleep may cause tension headaches. Doctors will recommend stress relief techniques to help alleviate these headaches.

Other alternative treatments for recurring or chronic tension headaches include relaxation techniques, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and acupuncture. These alternative treatments can be used alongside medications and lifestyle changes to reduce and eliminate tension headaches.

Further Diagnosis

Tension headaches are usually treated with medication. However, if the headaches are chronic or cause severe discomfort, doctors may perform additional tests to determine any underlying cause. Some of these tests include:

1. Blood tests
2. CT or CAT scan
3. MRI
4. Sinus X-rays

These tests help doctors identify any additional underlying medical conditions that may be causing the headaches. Patients are encouraged to ask any questions they may have regarding their condition, medication, or prescribed diagnostic tests.

Benefits of Tension Headache Treatments

While tension headaches often cause mild to moderate pain, continuous recurrence may cause discomfort and affect the quality of life. Tension headache treatments aim to reduce the occurrence of these headaches and manage the pain they cause. With the correct treatment, patients can live without being severely affected by the pain. The treatment may also eliminate the occurrence of future headaches in the long run.

At At Metro Hospitals, tension headache treatment helps patients manage their pain with the right medications, alternative treatment plans, and lifestyle recommendations. If the headaches are severe and increasing in frequency, doctors will perform a thorough examination to identify any further causes behind the condition.