PubMed1993
This study presents the history and clinical findings in 80 patients suffering from tension-type headache diagnosed according to the criteria (group 2) proposed in 1988 by the Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the extent to which the symptomatology in our cases still corresponds with the clinical picture of tension headache described in the older literature. A positive family history of headache was obtained in 59% of the patients; mothers of headache patients were affected five times more often than fathers; a history of migraine was reported as frequently as tension-type headache in the families of the investigated patients. The first manifestation of headaches arose almost exclusively in the first four decades of life, whereby two peaks (15-20 and 35-40 years) were observed in patients with the episodic form. Headache in younger patients showed no distinct diurnal pattern; headache in older patients, however, predominantly occurred immediately after awakening from sleep or in the morning. Changes of weather and psychosocial stress were the most frequent precipitating factors; additionally, the premenstrual period, occupational stress, and sleep deprivation were precipitating factors in female patients. Bilateral pain was most often located in the occipital/nuchal, in the frontal, and the periorbital regions. Headache was usually described as pressing/tightening in quality. Difficulties in concentration and the need of rest were the most important associated symptoms. Photophobia, phonophobia and autonomic symptoms were less frequent and are probably partially drug-related and may also be due to the fact that the selected group of patients suffered from severe forms of headache. 33 of our 80 patients belonged to the subgroup "with disorders of pericranial muscles" (IHS criteria: groups 2.1.1., 2.2.1). A remarkable low percentage of patients, especially of the male sufferers, reported regular smoking and/or drinking habits. Oral contraceptives influenced neither frequency nor intensity of headache attacks. Signs of depressive disorders were present in 28% of the female patients. The differences in symptomatology of tension-type headache between patients with episodic and chronic forms, between female and male patients, and also between younger and elderly patients are documented and have to be taken into account in the diagnostik evaluation of this condition.