ICD-10: G44.2Nervous System DiseasesGeneral Severity
Tension-type headache
A tension-type headache is a common, mild to moderate ache that feels like a tight band wrapped around your head.
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Find NeurologistsClinical Overview
A tension-type headache is the most frequent type of headache people experience. It happens when the muscles in your neck, scalp, and jaw become tight, tense, or knotted, causing a steady, dull pain instead of a throbbing or pulsing sensation.
These headaches are usually caused by physical or emotional stress, leading your body to hold tension in those specific muscles. While they can be quite uncomfortable, they rarely interfere with your ability to perform daily activities and do not cause vision changes or nausea.
Common Symptoms
- A dull, aching pain that feels like pressure or tightness.
- Tenderness when you touch your scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles.
- Pain that typically affects both sides of the head equally.
- A sensation of having a tight band or a clamp around the forehead.