Tension Headache Criteria
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Headache duration of 30 minutes to 7 days Yes No
Select which is applicable
☐Pressing/tightening (non-pulsatile) quality
☐Mild or moderate intensity (may inhibit, but does not prohibit activity
☐Bilateral location
☐No aggravation by walking, stairs or similar routine physical activity
☐No nausea or vomiting (anorexia may occur)
☐Absence of photophobia and phonophobia
R e s u l t s
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Tension Headache Criteria
 
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Tension Headache Criteria

These criteria are that of the International Headache Society, published in 1988.

Tension Headache Criteria

#1 Headache duration of 30 minutes to 7 days

#2 At least 2 of the following:

  • Pressing/tightening (non-pulsatile) quality
  • Mild or moderate intensity (may inhibit, but does not prohibit activity
  • Bilateral location
  • No aggravation by walking, stairs or similar routine physical activity

#3 Both of the following:

  • No nausea or vomiting (anorexia may occur)
  • Absence of photophobia and phonophobia (one but not both may be present)

References:

  1. Headache classification committee of the IHS. Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain. Cephalalgia. 1988;8:1-96.
  2. Millea PJ, Brodie JJ. Tension-Type Headache. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Sep 1;66(5):797-805.