Mixed-Pattern Headache - Mixed Tension Headache

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment begins with a limitation on pain medications. This may cure the daily headaches completely. If this doesn't work, a person is usually started on other treatments. These may include behavioral and drug therapy.

Stress-reduction methods may be effective. These methods include relaxation techniques, such as meditation. Biofeedback may also be useful. This involves the use of special machines to help a person reduce muscle tension. The machine may make a sound every time the muscles get tense, making someone aware of when they are getting tense. The person can then learn to reduce muscle tension, which makes the sound disappear. Eventually, people no longer need the machine to help them relax their muscles.

A headache diary or journal may help identify headache triggers. Counseling and therapy may also help a person deal with depression, tension, or anxiety.

Medicines may be needed to treat depression. Other medicines may be given for the migraine headaches. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen or ibuprofen, may be given for daily tension headaches.

Long-term treatment involving medicine and behavior methods may be needed. The goal of treatment is to reduce the number and severity of headaches as much as possible.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

When pain medications are stopped, the person may have worse headaches for a short period of time. NSAIDs may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the headaches improve or go away, no further treatment may be needed. Many people continue to have headaches that require behavioral or drug treatment.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.