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Mixed tension migraine

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Brain
Brain

Alternative Names    Return to top

Headache - mixed tension migraine

Definition    Return to top

Mixed tension migraine is a headache with features of both tension and migraine headaches.

See also:

Causes    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

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. Tests that may be done include:

Treatment    Return to top

Certain things may cause your headaches. For example, some people get headaches after drinking alcohol or eating certain foods. These are called triggers. You should identify your specific triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

It is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of sleep, and to avoid stress as much as possible.

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may help. If your headaches are severe, your doctor may prescribe other medicines.

If your headaches become frequent and interfere in daily functioning, your doctor may prescribe medicine to take everyday to prevent them. Such medicines include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Avoiding triggers and taking the appropriate medicine can help manage headache symptoms in many people.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Rebound headaches may occur from overuse of medications. It is important to only use medication as directed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

It is important to have a full medical and neurological exam if you suddenly have regular headaches, if your headaches are more severe than in the past, or if new symptoms develop along with the headaches.

Also call your health care provider if your current treatment does not help your headaches.

Prevention    Return to top

Tips for preventing headaches:

Medicine may be needed to prevent headaches.

References    Return to top

Krusz JC. Tension-type headaches: what they are and how to treat them. Prim Care. June 1, 2004; 31(2): 293-311, vi.

Goetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2003: 1187-1194.

Update Date: 3/5/2007

Updated by: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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