Tension Headache

Tension-type headache, also called tension headache or stress headache, is the most common type of primary headache, producing pain that typically radiates from the back of the head, neck, or eyes and generally affects both sides. It accounts for nearly 90 percent of all headaches, and 2016 global data estimated about 1.89 billion people affected worldwide, more often women than men. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are effective for individual episodes, and tricyclic antidepressants show promise for prevention in chronic cases. Despite its usually benign nature, chronic tension-type headache causes substantial disability, measured at 7.2 million years lived with disability globally in 2016.