Tension Headache in Teens: Care Instructions

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".

Current as of: December 3, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: December 3, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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.