About Tension Headache
Key Highlights
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Accurate diagnosis by a brain and nerve specialist to rule out other serious conditions.Personalized treatment plan combining medication, lifestyle changes, and preventive strategies.Focus on identifying and managing individual headache triggers like stress, poor posture, or lack of sleep.Education on non-pharmacological techniques such as relaxation exercises, biofeedback, and physical therapy.Long-term management aimed at reducing headache frequency, intensity, and improving daily functioning.
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent headaches described as a constant band-like pressure or tightness around the head.
- Headaches that are not accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound (common in migraines).
- Pain that is mild to moderate and does not worsen with routine physical activity.
- Headaches that interfere with daily work, social activities, or sleep.
- When over-the-counter pain relievers are used frequently or are becoming less effective.
- To rule out secondary headaches caused by underlying neurological or other medical conditions.
How to prepare
- Maintain a detailed headache diary for 2-4 weeks, noting frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, and medications used.
- Bring a list of all current medications, supplements, and allergies to the consultation.
- Be prepared to discuss personal and family medical history in detail.
- Wear comfortable clothing for the physical and neurological examination.
- For any scheduled imaging tests (like an MRI), follow specific instructions regarding fasting or metal objects.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication-overuse headache from frequent use of acute pain relievers.
- Side effects from prescribed medications, such as stomach upset, drowsiness, or dizziness.
- Potential for diagnostic tests (like CT scans) to involve low radiation exposure (rarely needed).
- Delay in diagnosing a different, more serious underlying condition if symptoms are atypical.
- Frustration or anxiety if headaches become chronic and are difficult to manage completely.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery focuses on implementing the management plan, not on healing from a procedure.
- Acute medications should provide relief within 1-2 hours for episodic headaches.
- Preventive medications may take several weeks to show full effect in reducing headache days.
- Consistently practice recommended lifestyle modifications, stress management, and exercises.
- Schedule follow-up appointments with the neurologist to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
- Report any new, worsening, or changing headache symptoms to your doctor immediately.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient consultation)
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Expected recovery time: Varies; acute relief in hours, preventive strategies take weeks for full effect
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tension headache in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tension headache in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tension headache. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tension headache compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 500 – 3 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient consultation) | ~ Varies; acute relief in hours, preventive strategies take weeks for full effect | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.75 Thousand – 10.5 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient consultation) | ~ Varies; acute relief in hours, preventive strategies take weeks for full effect | Know More |
Top hospitals for Tension Headache in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing tension headache.
Patient Name: Reyansh Williams. Age &...
Patient Name: Reyansh Williams. Age & Background: 32-year-old software engineer and new father to a 6-month-old. Symptoms/History: For three months, Reyansh has experienced a constant, band-like pressure around his forehead and temples, rating 6/10 in intensity. It begins mid-morning and worsens with screen time and sleep deprivation. He has no nausea or light sensitivity. Doctor Recommendation: After a normal neurological exam, the neurologist diagnosed a chronic tension-type headache. She recommended a multi-pronged approach: strict sleep hygiene, scheduled breaks from the computer, a physical therapy referral for neck posture, and a trial of amitriptyline at a low dose to break the pain cycle and improve sleep. Treatment Experience: Reyansh was hesitant about medication but agreed. He started PT, set phone reminders for breaks, and took the nightly amitriptyline. The first week he felt groggy, but this improved. Emotional Journey: Before, Reyansh felt frustrated and guilty, as his headaches made him irritable and less present for his baby and wife. He worried it was something serious. After 4 weeks of consistent treatment, his headache frequency dropped by 70%. Post-Procedure Outcome: He now manages occasional mild tension with his PT stretches and breaks. The constant pressure is gone. He feels back in control, more patient, and able to fully enjoy his new family.
Neurologists for Tension Headache
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform tension headache and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida