A tension headache is a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.

Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents. If a headache occurs 2 or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic. Tension headaches can occur when the patient also has a migraine.

Tension headaches result from the contraction (tensing) of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression, head injury, or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger this type of headache.

Other causes include eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with structural abnormalities in the brain.

• Headache
  • Dull, pressure-like
  • Generalized (all over, not just in one point or one side), worse in the scalp, temples or back of the neck
  • Feels like a tight band or vise on the head
  • Occurs as an isolated incident, or occurs constantly or daily
  • Worsened or triggered by stress, fatigue, noise, glare
• Difficulty sleeping

A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and which responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing. If a neurologic (nervous system) examination is performed, a tension headache causes no abnormal findings. However, tenderness in the muscles near the skull is often present.

The health care provider should be consulted -- to rule out other disorders that can cause headache -- if the headache is severe, persistent (does not go away), or if other symptoms happen with the headache.

Headaches that disturb sleep, occur whenever the person is active, or that are recurrent or chronic may also require examination and treatment by a health care provider.