What should you know about bad tension headache?

Tension-type headache may feel like a band pressing across the forehead, temples or back of the head. The pain is often on both sides and may come with tenderness in the scalp, neck or shoulders. Stress, poor sleep, long periods at a screen, missed meals and jaw clenching can contribute. Nausea, weakness, confusion or changes in vision are less typical and should not be dismissed as ordinary tension pain.

Rest in a quiet room, drink water, eat if you have missed a meal, and gently relax your neck and shoulders. A warm pack may ease muscle tightness. Take an over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed on its label and only if it is suitable for you; repeated use can itself contribute to frequent headaches. Keep a brief record of triggers, timing, location and accompanying symptoms so a clinician can identify a pattern.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, explosive headache, or headache with fainting, seizure, confusion, new weakness, trouble speaking, severe neck stiffness, repeated vomiting or a serious head injury. Arrange prompt medical assessment if the pain is new, worsening, unusually severe, keeps returning, or does not improve with sensible self-care. A GP Consultation can help distinguish tension-type headache from migraine, infection, medication-related pain or another cause.

Ask what pattern your symptoms suggest, whether your medicines or sleep could be contributing, and which pain-relief options are appropriate for you. Ask what warning signs should prompt urgent help and how to prevent headaches from becoming frequent.