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Tension Headache in Teens: Care Instructions

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Overview

Most headaches are tension headaches. Some people get them often, especially if they have a lot of stress in their lives.

This kind of headache may cause pain or a feeling of pressure all over your head. Sometimes it's hard to know where the center of the pain is.

If you get a lot of these kind of headaches, it can help to talk to your doctor. You can work together to find the treatment that works best for you.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Rest in a quiet, dark room. Put a cool cloth on your forehead. Close your eyes, and try to relax or go to sleep. Do not watch TV, read, or use the computer.
  • Use a warm, moist towel or a heating pad set on low on your shoulder and neck muscles.
  • Have someone gently massage your neck and shoulders.
  • Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Talk to your doctor about how often to take medicine to treat your headache. If you take it too often, it can lead to more headaches.
  • If you get a headache, stop what you are doing and sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes and breathe slowly.
  • Pay attention to any new symptoms you have when you have a headache. These include a fever, weakness or numbness, vision changes, or confusion. They may be signs of a more serious problem.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have signs of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, paralysis, or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a fever and a stiff neck.
  • Your headache gets much worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You wake up with a headache and vomiting, and this happens more than a few times.
  • Light hurts your eyes.
  • Your life is disrupted by your headaches. For example, you often miss work, school, sports, or other activities.
  • Your headaches get worse, happen more often, or change in some way.
  • You have new symptoms.
  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter A836 in the search box to learn more about "Tension Headache in Teens: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.