Mixed tension migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headaches.

See also:

• Headache
• Tension headache
• Migraine with aura
• Migraine without aura

Migraine headaches affect millions of people. Tension headaches are even more common, affecting about 40% of the population. People with mixed tension migraine have features of both types of headaches and it is difficult to differentiate which symptoms are migrainous and which are tension related. Women are more commonly afflicted than men.

Common triggers for these headaches are hormonal changes, dietary factors, environmental factors, sensory stimuli, and stress. Examples include too much or too little sleep; missed or delayed meals; menstruation; alcohol; food and food additives; chemical and drug ingestion and withdrawal; light glare; and odors.

• Headache on one or both sides
  • Throbbing pain
  • May feel dull, tight, or like a band around the head
  • Pain varies from mild to severe
  • May get worse with activity
  • May last from 4-72 hours (in some people, the headaches may occur every day)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Irritability
• Depression
• Sluggishness
• Numbness, tingling, weakness
• Neck pain

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. Tests that may be done include:

• CT or MRI of the head and neck
• Blood work
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)