tension headache

noun

: bilateral headache marked by mild to moderate pain of variable duration that typically is accompanied by contraction of the neck and scalp muscles

Examples of tension headache in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is often related to either chronic migraine symptoms or the most common type of headache - a tension headache, says Dr. Amaal Starling, an associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024 The most notable symptom of a tension headache is mild to moderate pain on both sides of your head. Kim Peiffer, Glamour, 30 June 2023 So what's the difference between a tension headache and migraine? Kim Peiffer, Glamour, 30 June 2023 Or perhaps a tension headache. Washington Post, 26 July 2021 See all Example Sentences for tension headache 

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tension headache was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near tension headache

Cite this Entry

“Tension headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tension%20headache. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tension headache

noun
: headache marked by mild to moderate pain of variable duration that affects both sides of the head and is typically accompanied by contraction of neck and scalp muscles
Nearly half of all women with tension headaches unknowingly clench their chewing muscles, oral-facial pain experts report.Prevention
Such headaches once were blamed on contraction of scalp muscles, but many dispute that idea. The name "tension headache" persists, however, since the problem is frequently found as part and parcel of general emotional stress.Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

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