A tension headache is a frequent occurrence in the lives of many individuals, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation. Even so, these tension headaches are sometimes exceedingly painful. A tension headache is classified as a “primary” headache in the medical community, making it by far the most common kind of headache. Tension headache symptoms include a sensation of tightness about the temples. 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 remain a mystery. 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 starts out as a feeling of general tightness in the skull, developing into a painful experience.
Treatment for tension headache symptoms typically involves a simple regimen of over the counter medication. Any number of pain relievers typically work well enough to relieve tension headache symptoms. Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofen are usually powerful enough to overcome 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 occurring frequently and without provocation are cause for a visit to a specialist. 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 is necessary in these situations.