What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Infrequent Episodic TTH

What is Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache? (Definition/Background Information)

• Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache is a form of tension-type headache (TTH). TTH is a frequently observed condition affecting a wide age range of individuals and having a high prevalence rate among the common population
• Tension-type headache is head pain that occurs from stress or tension leading to a feeling of tightness around the neck and head region. It is one of the most common types of headache and women are more prone to the condition
• In Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache, the mild-to-moderate intensity headaches last from half an hour to up to a week, affect both sides of the head, occur infrequently, and the affected individual may have increased sensitivity to light or sound
• Per ICHD classification, the subtypes of Infrequent Episodic TTH include:
  • Infrequent Episodic Tension-Type Headache associated with Pericranial Tenderness
  • Infrequent Episodic Tension-Type Headache not associated with Pericranial Tenderness
• The condition is not associated with nausea or vomiting. Also, normal physical activity, such as walking, does not worsen Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headaches

The criteria for diagnosis of Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• At least 10 episodes of headache occurring on less than 1 day/month on average (less than 12 days/year) and fulfilling the criteria below
• Lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
• At least two of the following four characteristics:
  • Bilateral location
  • Pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) quality
  • Mild or moderate intensity
  • Not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs
• Both of the following:
  • No nausea or vomiting
  • No more than one of photophobia or phonophobia
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)