Monday, February 16, 2009

Tension Headache Symptoms And Tension Headache Treatment

By Chad Moussette

A tension headache is a frequent occurence in the lives of most individuals, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation. Even so, these tension headaches can be very painful under some circumstances.

A tension headache is classified as a "primary" headache in the medical community, putting it in the most common categorization. Tension headache symptoms include a feeling of tightness around the temples and over the eyes. This feeling is typically explained as a band-like pressure. This feeling of tightness typically forms into a painful sensation in a gradual fashion.

This pain can range widely in intensity, although it is usually described as fairly mild. Tension headache symptoms can be triggered by any number of situations, and the exact causes are still a matter of some scientific uncertainty. It is widely held that stressful physical and emotional situations can lead to a tension headache.

Tension headache symptoms emerge frequently when the patient is faced with trying situations, and can develop quickly. The headache usually begins as a tight sensation, developing into pain.

Treatment for tension headache symptoms typically involves a simple regimen of over the counter medication. Any number of pain relievers should work quickly to overcome tension headache symptoms. Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofin are well suited to overcoming tension headache symptoms.

Primary headaches should occur in a fairly random fashion. Regular headaches are sometimes a sign of a more serious condition, and should be checked out with a doctor. Tension headache symptoms normally emerge when the patient undergoes physical or emotional stress. Headaches that begin more randomly, and seemingly without any provocation, may be cause for concern. This is especially true when symptoms present on a chronic basis.

More serious tension headache symptoms can include severe pain, focusing behind one or more eye. If the pain involved is intolerable or presents with a runny nose/eyes, this may be a sign of a cluster headache. Cluster headaches present as an extremely painful sensation behind the eye. This sensation is sometimes powerful enough to trigger an emotional crisis. Immediate medical care should be sought in these situations, as the pain can become excruciating. - 15438

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