Question: TTH intensifies with exertion, preventives not working?
Answer:
Full Question:
For about 5-6 months now, I have a chronic
tension type headache. Its very hard to describe except that every morning when
I wake up, I feel a light feeling in my head before I even stand up. This will
build during the day into a more bothersome tension type headache. It basically
lasts all day. When I exercise or bend over, it usually intensifies the feeling
or pressure. I have also had bouts of anxiety and "being on edge" because of it.
I have been seeing a couple doctors and have tried Lexapro and now a blood
pressure medication. I have had MRI/MRA, CT-Scan, Blood tests, etc. No answer
yet.
Answer:
Dear Sufferer;
It's unusual for tension-type headache to intensify with exertion. That's usually one way to differentiate between TTH and Migraine pain. Anxiety can also be a Migraine symptom. Is there any history of Migraine disease, "sick headaches," or sinus headaches in your family? The question isn't meant to steer you in that direction, but to give you something to discuss with your doctors. It might also help you to take a look at these articles as a foundation for a discussion with your doctor:
- Tension-Type Headache, Most Common of All
They're often described as feeling "like a vise around your head," and they account for more than three-quarters of all headaches. Exploring TTH: cause, triggers, treatment, and prevention. -
Anatomy of a Migraine
When many people think “migraine” they think only of the pain of migraine. In reality, a migraine episode consists of far more. The typical migraine episode actually consists of four parts, referred to as phases or components.
If your doctors aren't able to help you prevent these headaches, it's time to consult a headache specialist. If you need it, there's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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To visit our directory of recommended specialists and clinics, click
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Published May 8, 2006
