Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about the tension-type headaches? [Select ALL THAT APPLY]
a. Pain associated with this type of headache is unilateral
b. Mild photophobia or phonophobia is reported with the headache
c. Routine physical activity usually aggravates the headache
d. Headache has fast onset of action and last for few hours.
e. It is also known as stress headache.
Answer: (a,c,d)
1. Tension-type headaches often are caused by stress, depression, anxiety, emotional conflicts, or other stimuli.
2. They are sometimes called stress headaches and may result from pericranial muscle contraction.
3. Patients experience bilateral symptoms that may be over the top of the head to the neck and vary from diffuse ache to tight, pressing, and constricting pain.
4. They have gradual onset and may last minutes to days.
5. They are not accompanied by nausea or vomiting but may have either mild photophobia or phonophobia.
6. Routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs does not aggravate the headache.
7. Tension-type headaches may be episodic or chronic. Episodic headaches occur less than 15 days per month. Chronic headaches occur 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months.