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Medical terminology · Neurology

Tension-Type Headache

MeSH — National Library of Medicine · Retrieved 2026-10-13

A common primary headache disorder, characterized by a dull, non-pulsatile, diffuse, band-like (or vice-like) PAIN of mild to moderate intensity in the HEAD; SCALP; or NECK. The subtypes are classified by frequency and severity of symptoms. There is no clear cause even though it has been associated with MUSCLE CONTRACTION and stress. (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

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Reference details

MeSH descriptor
D018781
Vocabulary edition
2026
Tree positions
C10.228.140.546.399.875

Scope and definition

A common primary headache disorder, characterized by a dull, non-pulsatile, diffuse, band-like (or vice-like) PAIN of mild to moderate intensity in the HEAD; SCALP; or NECK. The subtypes are classified by frequency and severity of symptoms. There is no clear cause even though it has been associated with MUSCLE CONTRACTION and stress. (International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd ed. Cephalalgia 2004: suppl 1)

Entry terms and synonyms

Tension-Type Headache Headaches, Tension-Type Headache, Tension-Type Tension Type Headache Tension-Type Headaches Headache, Tension Headaches, Tension Tension Headaches Idiopathic Headache Headache, Idiopathic Headaches, Idiopathic Idiopathic Headaches Psychogenic Headache Headache, Psychogenic Headaches, Psychogenic Psychogenic Headaches Stress Headache Headaches, Stress Headache, Stress Stress Headaches Tension Headache Tension-Vascular Headache Headaches, Tension-Vascular Headache, Tension-Vascular Tension Vascular Headache Tension-Vascular Headaches

Classification tree positions

C10.228.140.546.399.875

Sources and reuse

Medical vocabulary definition and classification record.
Retrieved: 2026-10-13. Text has been organized for reading; this import has not been independently reviewed by a clinician. It is not individualized medical advice.
Courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. DrugChat is independent and is not endorsed by NLM.

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