Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Diagnostic issues in tension-type headache
1Carolinas Headache Clinic, Matthews, NC 28105, USA. carolinasheadache@windstream.net
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|November 1, 2008
Summary
Diagnosing tension-type headache (TTH) involves distinguishing between episodic and chronic forms. Differentiating TTH from other headaches, especially migraine, presents challenges due to overlapping diagnostic criteria.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Tension-type headache (TTH) is classified into episodic and chronic forms.
- Accurate diagnosis of TTH is crucial for effective management and differentiating it from other primary and secondary headache disorders.
- Clinical differentiation between TTH and migraine is often challenging due to significant overlap in diagnostic criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges in differentiating tension-type headache (TTH) from other headache disorders, particularly migraine.
- To discuss the controversy surrounding the potential pathophysiological continuum between TTH and migraine.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria for TTH and other headache disorders.
- Analysis of clinical features that aid in differentiating TTH from migraine.
- Examination of existing literature regarding the pathophysiological relationship between TTH and migraine.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic criteria for TTH and migraine show considerable overlap, complicating accurate differentiation.
- Clinical presentation can be ambiguous, making it difficult to distinguish TTH from migraine based solely on symptoms.
- Ongoing debate exists regarding whether TTH and migraine are distinct entities or part of a shared pathophysiological spectrum.
Conclusions:
- Precise differentiation of TTH from other headache types, especially migraine, remains a clinical challenge.
- Further research is needed to clarify the pathophysiological relationship between TTH and migraine.
- Improved diagnostic tools and understanding are necessary for optimal patient care in headache management.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Tension
Tension is a force along the length of a medium, in particular, a force carried by a flexible medium, such as a rope or cable. The word "tension" comes from Latin, meaning "to stretch". Not coincidentally, the flexible cords that carry muscle forces to other parts of the body are called tendons. Any flexible connector, such as a string, rope, chain, wire, or cable, can exert pull only parallel to its length; so, a force carried by a flexible connector is a tension with a direction parallel to...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:15Equilibrium and Balance
The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...