Migraine Triggers: Tension-Type Headaches

August 3rd, 2011 - Posted by Teri Robert

Do you ever have a headache that “turns into a Migraine?” If so, it may be a tension-type headache. Tension-type headaches can be a Migraine trigger for some people.

Common Triggers

Management Essentials: Triggers
Alcohol
Caffeine
Exercise
MSG
Sleep Triggers (Part 1)
Weather Changes

From the Blog: Triggers

Tension-type headaches (TTH) commonly last from 30 minutes to seven days. The pain of TTH is often described as “vise-like” or “a band around the head.”

A TTH has at least two of these four characteristics:

mild to moderate in intensity
occurs on both sides of the head (bilateral)
is not made worse by routine activity such as bending over or climbing stairs
the pain has a pressing or tightening quality, not throbbing or pulsing

For many, stopping a TTH early can keep it from triggering a Migraine attack. Acute treatment options for TTH include:

aspirin (for adults)
acetaminophen
ibuprofen
aspirin/acetaminophen/caffeine combinations
muscle relaxants
combination prescription medications with codeine, hydrocodone, butalbital, caffeine, etc.
massage therapy
biofeedback
acupuncture
relaxation exercises
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (should never be applied to the face or head)

Migraine abortive medications do not relieve TTH.

My personal experience is that tension-type headaches most often do trigger a Migraine for me unless I stop them quickly. I frequently feel them first in the bottom of the back of my head. Ibuprofen usually works for them, but because of other medications I take, I shouldn’t take ibuprofen. I have found that a TENS unit applied to my shoulders and lower neck is as effective as medication for stopping a TTH if I use it early in the headache.

If you have headaches that “turn into Migraines,” it’s worth discussing them with your doctor. It may turn out that they’re tension-type headaches, and you can discuss ways to stop them quickly before they trigger a Migraine.

Live well,
Teri Robert Signature