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

• Probable TTH

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

• Probable Tension-type Headache is described as 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
• According to definition, the signs and symptoms of Probable Tension-type Headache does not fulfill the criteria outlined for any other forms of tension-type headaches, as recognized by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD). Thus, the diagnosis of Probable TTH is one of exclusion (including eliminating all other migraine and tension-type headache variants)
• Per ICHD classification, there are three subtypes of Probable Tension-type Headaches:
  • Probable Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache
  • Probable Frequent Episodic Tension-type Headache
  • Probable Chronic Tension-type Headache

Criteria for diagnosing each subtype of Probable Tension-type Headache as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS).

For Probable Infrequent Episodic Tension-type Headache - one or more episodes of headache fulfilling all but one of criteria for infrequent episodic tension-type headache, which 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

For Probable Frequent Episodic Tension-type Headache - episodes of headache fulfilling all but one of criteria for frequent episodic tension-type headache, which is given below:

• At least 10 episodes of headache occurring on 1-14 days/month on average for over 3 months (between 12-180 days/year) and fulfilling 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

For Probable Chronic Tension-type Headache - headache fulfilling all but one of criteria for chronic episodic tension-type headache, which is given below:

• Headache occurring on a minimum of or over 15 days/month on average for over 3 months (a minimum of or more than 180 days/year), fulfilling 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 more than one of photophobia, phonophobia or mild nausea
  • Neither moderate or severe nausea nor vomiting

AND, apart from the above, each subtype has to satisfy the following two conditions:

• Not fulfilling ICHD-3 criteria for any other headache disorder
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

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