chronic tension headache

Introduction

also see tension headache

Etiology

• risk factors for progression to chronic tension-type headaches include
  • high baseline headache frequency
  • young age
  • female sex
  • history of depression or anxiety
  • overuse of medication for an acute condition

* most tension headaches are episodic

Management

• response to preventive pharmacotherapy is limited, but evidence supports
  • amitriptyline
  • venlafaxine
  • mirtazapine
• behavioral techniques
  • lifestyle modifiers with stress management
  • exercise
• physical therapy
• acupuncture may provide benefit

More general terms

• tension headache (stress headache)
• chronic pain