When upheavals like a love affair or a broken marriage or any other personal problem occur, all that stress leads to a tension headache.

Cause :: Irritation of pain sensitive structures in the head and around the skull.

Symptoms ::
Dull, tight pressure. A constant sensation of a band around the head or pressure at vertex. There's local tenderness. Associated anxiety, depression,disturbed sleep. Duration and severity differ. Can be precipitated by a constant source of stress or anxiety arousing conditions or even the anticipation of a stressful situation.

Outward signs ::
Wrinkled forehead. Muscle contraction at the jaw and temples. Patient looks taut, may clench and unclench fingers.

Treatment ::
Relaxing. Massage, gentle stretching of neck and shoulders, hot baths, meditation, yoga, hypnosis, application of local heat. Aspirin, paracetamol, codeine, muscle relaxants and anti-depressants offer temporary relief. It's a myth that tensions headache are possible sign of brain tumor, which needs to be clarified and the patients reassured. Your doctor will explain how tension headaches occur and point out the triggers in your case. And that's reason enough for a lighter heart.