8A81.2

Chronic tension-type headache

Cefaleia tensional crônica

Category

Definition

A disorder evolving from frequent episodic tension-type headache, with daily or very frequent episodes of headache, typically bilateral, pressing or tightening in quality and of mild to moderate intensity, lasting hours to days, or unremitting. The pain does not worsen with routine physical activity, but may be associated with mild nausea, photophobia or phonophobia.

Diagnostic Criteria

A. Headache occurring on ?15 days per month on average for >3 months (?180 days per year) and fulfilling criteria B-D

B. Headache lasts hours or may be continuous

C. Headache has at least two of the following characteristics:

1. bilateral location

2. pressing/tightening (non-pulsating) quality

3. mild or moderate intensity

4. not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs

D. Both of the following:

1. no more than one of photophobia, phonophobia or mild nausea

2. neither moderate or severe nausea nor vomiting

E. Not attributed to another disorder

Index Terms

Chronic tension-type headacheChronic tension-type headache associated with pericranial tendernessChronic tension-type headache not associated with pericranial tenderness