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Mixed tension migraine

Definition:

Mixed tension migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headaches .

Alternative Names:

Headache - mixed tension migraine

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Migraine headaches affect millions of people. Tension headaches are even more common, affecting about 40% of the population. People with mixed tension migraine have features of both types of headaches and it is difficult to differentiate which symptoms are migrainous and which are tension related. Women are more commonly afflicted than men.

Common triggers for these headaches are hormonal changes, dietary factors, environmental factors, sensory stimuli, and stress. Examples include too much or too little sleep; missed or delayed meals; menstruation; alcohol; food and food additives; chemical and drug ingestion and withdrawal; light glare; and odors.

References:

Krusz JC. Tension-type headaches: what they are and how to treat them. Prim Care . June 1, 2004; 31(2): 293-311, vi.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 1187-1194.

Brain

Review Date: 3/5/2007
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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