title: [Tension headache--a review].
abstract: Tension headache (TH) is an ill-defined headache syndrome, characterized by bilateral, daily headaches with fronto-occipital localisation. TH is often accompanied by a migraine and an abuse of analgesics and/or ergotamine. In the etiology of TH vascular, muscular and psychogenic factors are assumed. Floating transitions to common migraine are discussed. The increased muscle tension is not specific for TH, but more probably a consequence of TH. In addition a decrease of the pain threshold with a deficiency of the antinociceptive system is supposed. The efficacy of tricyclic antidepressives in TH is based on potentiation of serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms and - besides their analgetic potencies - upon an increase of the pain threshold. TH prophylaxis is indicated if patients suffer from TH more than ten times per month. Medication are tricyclic antidepressives of the amitriptyline-type. Prophylaxis of TH can only be successful if a simultaneous abuse of analgesics and/or ergotamine is discontinued. In addition, EMG-biofeedback, as well as relaxation - and vasoconstriction training might be helpful in specific cases.
authors.affiliation: Gemeinschaftspraxis, München.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pfaffenrath
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wermuth
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pöllmann
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006261:Headache / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D009119:Muscle Contraction
vernacular_title: Der Spannungskopfschmerz--Eine Ubersicht.