Tension headache medical therapy
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Tension Headache Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sabeeh Islam, MBBS[2]
Overview
Medical Therapy
Episodic tension-type headaches generally respond well to over-the-counter analgesics, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. The effect of the analgesic is boosted if either caffeine (such as a cup of coffee) or a dose of the sedative antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl, 25mg) is taken at the same time. However, these medications should be avoided in cases of chronic tension-type headache, due to the risk of medication overuse headaches.
Chronic tension-type headaches are more difficult to treat. Some therapies that are suggested for chronic tension-type headaches include:
Pharmacological Therapy
Non-Pharmacological Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Cranial chiropractic
- Exercise such as swimming two to three times a week
- Heat pillow
- Massage
- Relaxation techniques like:
References
- ↑ Holroyd KA, O'Donnell FJ, Stensland M, Lipchik GL, Cordingley GE, Carlson BW. Management of chronic tension-type headache with tricyclic antidepressant medication, stress management therapy, and their combination: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2001 May 2;285(17):2208-15.
- ↑ Bendtsen L, Jensen R. Mirtazapine is effective in the prophylactic treatment of chronic tension-type headache. Neurology. 2004 May 25;62(10):1706-11.