Symptoms of a Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and may make it difficult to go about your daily activities and accomplish tasks at work and school. The symptoms of tension headaches may last for an hour or up to one week and include changes in vision, sleep and appetite and pain that may be mild to severe. Consider this information about the symptoms of tension headaches from the Mayo Clinic.

Pain

• Dull or aching pain across the front, side or back of your head is the most common symptom of a tension headache.

Pressure

• Feelings of pressure from within your head is a symptom of tension headaches that may involve your forehead or the sides or back of your head.

Muscle Aches

• Aches in your shoulders, neck or jaw are symptoms of tension headaches that may worsen if headaches become chronic or worse in severity.

Loss of Appetite

• A temporary loss of appetite or mild nausea are symptoms of a tension headache that may be worsened by taking certain pain relievers such as aspirin that can further irritate your stomach.

Distraction

• A tension headache may cause difficulty with focusing your attention on tasks, especially those that require close concentration.

Vision Changes

• Tension headaches may cause vision changes such as watery eyes, blurred or double vision that may improve with rest.

Fatigue

• Fatigue and drowsiness are symptoms of tension headaches that may be improved by taking pain relievers that include caffeine in the ingredients.