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Alternative names Return to top
Headache - mixed tension migraineDefinition Return to top
A headache with features of both tension headache and migraine headache.
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Migraine headaches affect millions of people. Tension headaches are even more common, affecting about 40% of the population. People with mixed tension migraine have features of both types of headaches and it is difficult to differentiate which symptoms are migrainous and which are tension related. Women are more commonly afflicted than men.
Common triggers for these headaches are hormonal changes, dietary factors, environmental factors, sensory stimuli, and stress. Examples include too much or too little sleep; missed or delayed meals; menstruation; alcohol; food and food additives; chemical and drug ingestion and withdrawal; light glare; and odors.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms associated with mixed tension-migraine headache may include:
Signs and tests Return to top
It is important to have a full medical and neurological evaluation if:
Based on the history of your symptoms and a physical examination, a physician will decide whether you should be treated for migraine-tension headache, or whether further evaluation to rule out other causes of headache is necessary. These tests may include:
Treatment Return to top
Avoid triggers, if possible and reduce stress. It is important to eat a proper diet, exercise regularly and get adequate sleep.
Anti-inflammatory medications and over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetominophen may help. Some people benefit from ergot derivative drugs and triptans.
If headaches become frequent and interfere in daily functioning, medication may be given on a daily basis to prevent the headaches. These include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-convulsants, and anti-depressants, depending on the type of headache and what proves effective for the particular person.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The long-term outlook is good if the headache symptoms can be brought under control by avoiding triggers and taking medicine.Complications Return to top
Complications may occur from side-effects of medications. Rebound headaches may occur from overuse of medications. It is important to only use medication as directed.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you experience a new headache, a change in quality of a previous headache or difficult to manage symptoms of headaches.Prevention Return to top
Prevention of headaches includes avoidance of triggers and maintaining adequate sleep, nutrition, diet and exercise. In some cases, preventative medication may be required. Update Date: 5/12/2003 Updated by: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |