[Tension type headache and its treatment possibilities]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent primary headache disorder, impacting approximately 80% of the global population.
• Its high prevalence results in considerable socioeconomic consequences.
• TTH is characterized by bilateral, mild to moderate pressing or tightening pain, without other accompanying symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic strategies for tension-type headache.
• To highlight effective acute and prophylactic treatment options.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on tension-type headache treatments.
• Focus on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic prophylactic interventions.

Main Results:

• Simple or combined analgesics are standard for acute TTH treatment.
• Tricyclic antidepressants, particularly amitriptyline, are first-line prophylactic treatments, supported by robust clinical evidence.
• Other antidepressants like mirtazapine and venlafaxine show efficacy, while gabapentin, topiramate, and tizanidine have weaker evidence.
• Non-pharmacological methods, including psychotherapy and acupuncture, demonstrate documented efficacy for TTH prevention.

Conclusions:

• Effective acute and prophylactic treatments exist for tension-type headache.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and certain non-pharmacological methods are recommended for TTH prophylaxis.
• Further research may clarify the role of other medications in TTH management.