Is tension headache a neurological disorder?

Tension-type headache is a neurological disorder characterised by a predisposition to attacks of mild to moderate headache with few associated symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the history and examination.


Is a headache classed as neurological?

A migraine is a common neurological condition that causes a variety of symptoms, most notably a throbbing headache on one side of your head. Migraines often get worse with physical activity, lights, sounds or smells. They usually last at least four hours or even days.

What can a neurologist do for tension headaches?

How do neurologists treat headaches?
  • A plan to avoid triggers.
  • Medication to treat pain.
  • Medication to shorten headache duration.
  • Medication to prevent future headaches.
  • Stress management.
  • Oxygen therapy (for cluster headaches)
  • Calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP)


Is tension headache a neuropathic pain?

The tension headache patient typically has neuralgia of one, two or three of these nerves on either or both sides of the head and neck. It is actually this nerve inflammation that sends distress signals back to the brain, complaining of the compression from the tight surrounding structures.

What neurological problems cause headaches?

Conditions that might cause nonprimary chronic daily headaches include:
  • Inflammation or other problems with the blood vessels in and around the brain, including stroke.
  • Infections, such as meningitis.
  • Intracranial pressure that's either too high or too low.
  • Brain tumor.
  • Traumatic brain injury.


Tension Headaches | Triggers, Risk Factors, Signs & Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment



Why do I get tension headaches everyday?

Sometimes tension-type headaches may be a sign of an underlying disorder such as thyroid disease or an underlying tumor or a primary headache disorder, such as chronic migraine or new daily persistent headache. Anyone over age 50 with a new onset headache should see their doctor for an evaluation .

How do you know if you have a neurological problem?

Physical signs of neurological problems may include partial or complete paralysis, muscle weakness, seizures, unexplained pain, or numbness. Spasticity is when muscles become tense and rigid and your reflexes may be exaggerated. This can affect the way you walk, move, or even speak.

Are tension headaches psychological?

It's not a coincidence — headaches are more likely to occur when you're stressed. Stress is a common trigger of tension-type headaches and migraine. It can also trigger other types of headaches or make them worse. Stress is a particularly common headache trigger in children and young adults.


What happens to the brain during tension headache?

Newer theories suggest tension headaches are caused by changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (including serotonin), similar to what happens with a migraine. Scientists don't know why the levels of neurotransmitters go up and down, but they think it activates pain pathways in the brain.

Can tension headaches be cured?

Rest, ice packs or a long, hot shower may be all you need to relieve a tension-type headache. A variety of strategies can help you reduce the severity and frequency of chronic tension-type headaches without using medicine. Try some of the following: Manage your stress level.

Do tension headaches show up on MRI?

Health care providers see many patients for headaches and most of them have migraines or headaches caused by tension. Both kinds of headaches can be very painful, but a CT scan or an MRI rarely shows why the headache occurs.


How do you permanently get rid of tension headaches?

The best thing you can do if you get a lot of tension headaches is to lower your stress level, and the tension level in your head, neck, and shoulder muscles. Take breaks at the computer, learn to relax, avoid stressful situations, and make quiet time for yourself.

How do you get permanent relief from chronic tension headaches?

What are the treatments for chronic tension headache?
  1. Painkillers. You may well be used to taking painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. ...
  2. Treating the cause: diary. ...
  3. Stress and depression. ...
  4. Regular exercise. ...
  5. Physiotherapy. ...
  6. Acupuncture. ...
  7. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) ...
  8. Preventative medication.


What is considered a neurological disorder?

Neurological disorders are medically defined as disorders that affect the brain as well as the nerves found throughout the human body and the spinal cord. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms.


Why would I be referred to a neurologist for headaches?

If your headaches cause pain in other areas or if the pain is on only one side of the head, you may need to see a neurologist. Sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, and any weakness or numbness are all symptoms that are cause for more serious concern.

Can tension headaches be debilitating?

Tension headaches occur when neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles become tense. Some people experience tension headaches from time to time; others get them more often. While a tension headache is rarely debilitating, it can certainly make life miserable.

When should I be worried about tension headaches?

Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent. Your headache is "the worst ever," even if you regularly get headaches. You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache. Your headache gets worse over 24 hours.


What is the number 1 neurological disorder?

1. Headache. Headaches are one of the most common neurological disorders—and there are a variety of different kinds of headaches, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.

What are signs that you need to see a neurologist?

Common reasons to visit a neurologist
  • Chronic or severe headaches. ...
  • Chronic pain. ...
  • Dizziness. ...
  • Numbness or tingling. ...
  • Movement problems. ...
  • Memory problems or confusion.


How do doctors test for neurological disorders?

A neurological examination assesses motor and sensory skills, hearing and speech, vision, coordination, and balance. It may also test mental status, mood, and behavior. The examination uses tools such as a tuning fork, flashlight, reflex hammer, and a tool for examining the eye.


What is the best painkiller for tension headaches?

Drugs prescribed to treat the pain of tension headaches include: Nonprescription Pain Relievers These are usually adequate to relieve mild to moderate pain. They include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen.

How long is too long for a tension headache?

This type of tension-type headache lasts hours and may be continuous. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months, they're considered chronic.

What is the typical trigger for tension-type headache?

The cause of tension-type headache is uncertain. It may be associated with contraction of muscles in the neck and head, and the triggers of tension-type headache may include poor posture (such as from prolonged computer use or sleeping in an unusual position), smoking, fatigue, and stress.


Which is the only proven treatment for chronic tension-type headache?

The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline is drug of first choice for the prophylactic treatment of chronic TTH.

How should I sleep to avoid tension headaches?

SLEEP POSITION: SIDE-SLEEPERS

Often, for those with broad shoulders, 2 pillows will be necessary or you may use the higher side of a contour pillow (as shown above). The chin should be slightly tucked down to prevent strain at the base of the head.