Symptoms:

The headache pain may be described as:

• Dull, pressure-like (not throbbing)
• A tight band or vise on the head
• All over (not just in one point or one side)
• Worse in the scalp, temples, or back of the neck, and possibly in the shoulders

The pain may occur as an isolated event, constantly, or daily. Pain may last for 30 minutes to 7 days. It may be triggered by or get worse with stress, fatigue, noise, or glare.

There may be difficulty sleeping. Tension headaches usually do not cause nausea or vomiting.

People with tension headaches tend to try to relieve pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck.

Signs and tests:

A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing, especially if it has occurred in the past. A tension headache reveals no abnormal findings on a neurological exam. However, tender points (trigger points) in the muscles are often seen in the neck and shoulder areas.

The health care provider should be consulted -- to rule out other disorders that can cause headache -- if the headache is severe, persistent (does not go away), or if other symptoms are present with the headache.

Headaches that disturb sleep, occur whenever you are active, or that are recurrent or chronic may require examination and treatment by a health care provider.