title: [Tension-type headache].
abstract: Tension-type headache is the most common type of primary headache. Life time prevalence of tension-type headache in general population ranges from 30 to 78%. It is the least studied of the primary headache disorders, despite the fact that it has the highest socio-economic impact. In the new 'The International Classification of Headache Disorders', tension-type headache is divided into episodic and chronic subtypes. The exact mechanisms of tension -type headache are not known. Peripheral pain mechanisms are most likely to play a role in episodic headache, whereas central pain mechanisms play a more important role in chronic tension-type headache. Treatments of tension-type headache include not only medication but also the physical therapy. In many uncertain cases there is overuse of medication. Two months after medication overuse has ceased, chronic tension-type should be diagnosed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical School.
authors.forename: Nobuo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Araki
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy