5th August 2024

Tension-type headaches

Tension headaches are commonly triggered by stress. The patient usually reports a mild, bilateral, constricting pain as if a tight band is being stretched around their head. The course can be episodic or chronic. They usually respond well to simple analgesia and non-pharmacological treatments such as relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioural therapy. In cases of chronic tension-type headaches, where headaches are occurring on more than 15 days per month, prophylaxis with a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant can be initiated.