What should you know about strong tension headache?

Tension-type headache commonly feels like pressure, tightness, or a band around the head. It may involve the forehead, temples, scalp, neck, or shoulders and is often linked with muscle tension, stress, poor posture, jaw clenching, eye strain, missed meals, or inadequate sleep. The pain can be strong even when the cause is not dangerous. A headache is a symptom, so a new pattern should not be labelled tension-related without considering other features.

Rest in a quiet, comfortable place, drink water, and eat something light if you have missed a meal. Gentle neck and shoulder movement, a warm pack, and a break from screens may reduce muscle strain. If you use a pain reliever, follow its instructions and avoid taking it repeatedly on many days without advice, since frequent use can itself maintain headaches. Keep a note of timing, triggers, associated symptoms, and any medicine taken.

Seek urgent help for a headache that reaches maximum intensity suddenly, follows a head injury, or occurs with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, fever with neck stiffness, or new vision loss. Arrange a GP consultation for a first severe headache, a steadily worsening pattern, headaches that wake you, or repeated attacks that interfere with daily activities.

Ask whether the pattern fits tension-type headache, which treatment is suitable for you, and how to prevent medication-overuse headache.