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tension headache
noun
: bilateral headache marked by mild to moderate pain of variable duration that typically is accompanied by contraction of the neck and scalp muscles
Examples of tension headache in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is often related to either chronic migraine symptoms or the most common type of headache - a tension headache, says Dr. Amaal Starling, an associate professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
—
Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2024
The most notable symptom of a tension headache is mild to moderate pain on both sides of your head.
—
Kim Peiffer, Glamour, 30 June 2023
So what's the difference between a tension headache and migraine?
—
Kim Peiffer, Glamour, 30 June 2023
Or perhaps a tension headache.
—
Washington Post, 26 July 2021
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tension headache.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1953, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near tension headache
Cite this Entry
“Tension headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tension%20headache. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Medical Definition
tension headache
noun
: headache marked by mild to moderate pain of variable duration that affects both sides of the head and is typically accompanied by contraction of neck and scalp muscles
Nearly half of all women with tension headaches unknowingly clench their chewing muscles, oral-facial pain experts report.—
Prevention
Such headaches once were blamed on contraction of scalp muscles, but many dispute that idea. The name "tension headache" persists, however, since the problem is frequently found as part and parcel of general emotional stress.—
Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News
More from Merriam-Webster on tension headache
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tension headache
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