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Tension-type headache is a common primary headache, often described as pressure or tightness around the head.
Quick Answer
Tension-type headache is a common primary headache, often described as pressure or tightness around the head. Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav (NMC 8029, 15+ years of clinical experience) evaluates tension-type headache at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Episodes may be infrequent or chronic. Pain is typically mild to moderate, bilateral, and not worsened by routine activity, without significant nausea or photophobia.
Clinical diagnosis after exclusion of secondary causes. Features distinguish it from migraine and cluster headache.
Education, lifestyle measures, management of triggers, and discussion of acute options; preventive considerations for chronic forms when appropriate.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, ergonomic improvements, and limiting analgesic overuse.
It is often manageable, but new or changing patterns should be evaluated to exclude secondary causes.
Tension-type headache involves multiple mechanisms, not solely muscle tightness. Relaxation, posture, and stress management may help, but it is not purely a muscular problem.
Stress management, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, and ergonomic adjustments may reduce frequency and severity. Individual responses vary.
New onset, progressive worsening, change in pattern, or headache associated with neurologic symptoms warrants evaluation.
Occasional tension-type headache is less frequent; chronic means 15+ headache days per month. Both are recognized; chronic forms may benefit from prevention discussion.
Headache
Chronic Headache: When Headache Frequency Matters
What defines chronic headache, why frequency is clinically important, and how systematic evaluation helps.
Migraine
Migraine vs Ordinary Headache: How to Tell the Difference
Migraine is more than a strong headache —— timing, associated symptoms, and disability distinguish it from tension-type and cluster headache.
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Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Authoritative external references:
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav
Consultant Neurologist & Headache Specialist • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav.
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