A tension headache is a frequent occurence in the lives of most individuals, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation.

Even so, these tension headaches are sometimes exceedingly painful.

A tension headache is placed in the primary headache category by the medical community, putting it in the most common categorization.
Tension headache symptoms include a sensation of tightness about the temples. This tightness can usually be described as a "band" around the head. This feeling of tightness typically forms gradually as a painful sensation over the span of a few hours.

This pain can vary in intensity, although it is usually described as fairly mild.
Tension headache symptoms can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, and the exact causes are still a matter of some scientific uncertainty. It is widely held that stressful physical and emotional situations can lead to a tension headache.

Tension headache symptoms emerge frequently when the patient is faced with trying situations, and can develop quickly. The headache usually starts out as a feeling of general tightness in the skull, developing into a painful experience.

Treatment for tension headache symptoms typically involves a simple regimen of over the counter medication.
Any number of pain relievers should work quickly to overcome tension headache symptoms. Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofin are well suited to overcoming tension headache symptoms. Primary headaches should occur in a fairly random fashion.

Regular headaches are sometimes a sign of another issue at play, and should be checked out with a doctor.
Tension headache symptoms should occur as a result of physical or emotional stress. Headaches that begin more randomly, and seemingly without any provocation, may be cause for concern. This is especially true if the symptoms are chronic, or present with additional symptoms, such as sensory issues.

More serious tension headache symptoms may present with severe pain.
If the pain should become intolerable and results in a runny eye or nose, this may be a sign of a cluster headache. Cluster headaches present as an extremely painful sensation behind the eye. This sensation can be intense enough to drive patients into a pain crisis. Immediate medical care should be sought in these situations, as the pain can become excruciating.

Evan