The Nation's Health

Health Tips: What are the symptoms of tension headaches?

The symptoms of tension headache are:

* A pain that begins in the back of the head and upper neck as a band-like tightness or pressure.

* Described as a band of pressure encircling the head with the most intense pain over the eyebrows.

* The pain is usually mild (not disabling) and bilateral (affecting both sides of the head).

* Not associated with an aura (see below) and are not associated with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.

* Usually occur sporadically (infrequently and without a pattern) but can occur frequently and even daily in some people.

* Most people are able to function despite their tension headaches.

4.3/10 stars (2010-01-17