Attacks of headache (usually bilateral) which are pressing or tightening in quality and of mild to moderate intensity lasting minutes to days

Aetiology

Associations

• Stress
• Depression
• Alcohol
• Skipping meals
• Dehydration

Clinical features

Symptoms

• Bilateral non-throbbing headache
  • Episodic or chronic
  • Pressing tingling quality
  • Mild to moderate
• Absence of nausea and vomiting
• Absence of photophobia or phonophobia

Signs

• They may be associated with tenderness of the scalp muscles, as their contraction is the primary source of the pain

Management

• Simple analgesics are often effective but overuse should be avoided
• Relaxation physiotherapy
• Reassurance