Menstrual Tension-type Headache?

Now we have menstrual tension-type headache described. When will it all end – the last thing we need now is another headache type!

The authors interviewed 165 women with menstrual related headache and found that the characteristics of tension-type headache were evident in 21.

Isn’t this what some authorities are saying – that all headache and migraine arises from the same disorder?

Menstrual tension-type headache is just a less severe expression of menstrual migraine.

Don’t get me wrong, this is my clinical experience also. I see women whose menstrual headaches vary in severity from one cycle to the next, and some women whose headaches are less severe than those in other women, so Yes, it can present as what is considered a tension-type headache (but its not tension!).

What is needed is to determine the source of the sensitisation – and basic neuro anatomy and research tells us that neck disorders have the potential to sensitise the brainstem.

Cheers

Dean

(Arjona A et al. Menstrual Tension-Type headache: Evidence for Its Existence. Headache 2007;47:100-103)

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