Headache, Muscle Spasm
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Headache, Muscle Spasm
| Name: Headache, Muscle Spasm |
| Also known as: Tension Headache |
| Headache from spasm of muscles in the temples, forehead and upper neck. |
Causes of Headache, Muscle Spasm
Stress is the most common trigger, but allergies, infections and injury can also cause muscle spasm. The muscles at the top of the neck, in the forehead and over both temples go into prolonged contraction which tightens the scalp, causing pressure on the skull, and further increases the strain on the muscles. |
Symptoms of Headache, Muscle Spasm
Constant unrelieved pressure across the head, sharp pains and tenderness around the hairline and neck, poor concentration, tiredness and worsening of the headache by stress, noise and glare. |
Tests for Headache, Muscle Spasm
None usually necessary. |
Treatment for Headache, Muscle Spasm
Aspirin or paracetamol, sometimes in combination with muscle relaxants. Commercially available combination such as Fiorinal, Mersyndol and Panalgesic are useful in the short term, but often cause drowsiness. Mild heat and massaging the tense muscles will give temporary relief. Relief of chronic anxiety by talking through the problems with a doctor or counselor, accepting help to deal with a stressful situation, and using an anti-anxiety medication may also be useful.
|
Complications of Headache, Muscle Spasm of its treatment
None significant. |
Likely Outcome of Headache, Muscle Spasm
Usually well controlled, but may be recurrent. |
|
|
