Tension Headaches
The term Tension Headache does not sound exotic, dangerous or serious. But the condition it self when some what frequent is noted to be more debilitating than the once or twice monthly "killer" migraine.
For people who suffer with chronic tension headache syndrome, the relentless pain has a conditioning effect, in that it tends to change ones demeanor, energy level, and focus. Hence the condition has an ability to grind you to a halt over time, as do many different types of headaches.    
4 Main Tension Headache Symptoms
- Dull, aching head pain.
- A sense of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head.
- Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
- Occasionally, loss of appetite.
You may experience these headaches only occasionally, or nearly all the time. An episode can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. There are many different types of headaches, tension being just one of the more common types.
The following time factor seems somewhat arbitrary but it is a useful measure.
If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month, for at least three months, they're considered chronic. If you have headaches that occur fewer than 15 times in a month, your headaches are considered episodic. However, people with frequent episodic headaches are at a higher risk of developing a chronic form of the condition. And neither group really care what you call it. They both wish for and should focus on resolution.
The pain is usually described as mild to moderately intense. The severity of the pain varies from one person to another, and from one headache to another in the same person. They can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from migraines, but unlike some forms of migraine and different types of headaches, a tension headache usually isn't associated with visual disturbances (blind spots or flashing lights), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or slurred speech. And, while physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn't make this type of headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to light or sound can occur but this isn't a common symptom with this. More commonly that would be associated with Migraine.
When to See a Doctor for Tension Headaches
If this type of headache disrupts your life, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. If you find that you need to take medication for your headaches more than twice a week, you should defiantly get on the offensive.Occasionally, headaches may indicate a serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor or rupture of a weakened blood vessel (aneurysm). Even if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different.
Read More About Different Types of Headaches Here
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