What should you know about episodic tension headache?

Pain may feel like a band or pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. The scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles may feel tight or tender. It is usually mild or moderate and does not typically worsen with ordinary movement, although individual experiences vary. Stress, prolonged screen work, poor posture, jaw clenching, missed meals, dehydration, and disrupted sleep can contribute. A [Headache](/symptoms/headache/) has many possible causes, so the pattern and associated symptoms matter.

Pause close-up work, relax the jaw, change position, drink water, and eat if you have missed a meal. Gentle neck and shoulder movement, a warm pack, quiet surroundings, and regular sleep may help. Use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician; frequent use can itself contribute to recurring headaches. Record timing, possible triggers, symptoms, and medicines used. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help when headaches are recurrent, changing, or interfering with life.

Get emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or headache with weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or repeated vomiting. Seek prompt assessment after a head injury, during pregnancy, or when a new headache is steadily worsening. Arrange routine review if the pattern changes, episodes become frequent, or usual measures no longer help.

Does my symptom pattern fit tension headache? Could my medicines, eyesight, jaw, posture, or sleep be contributing? What is a safe plan for treating attacks and preventing medication-overuse headache?