Treating the Tension-Type Headache.

Medications
Over-the-counter medications are very helpful in relieving the symptoms of either episodic or chronic headaches. Your physician might suggest acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®) or naproxen sodium (Aleve®). Generally, children under 14 are not advised to take aspirin because of its connection to ReyeÕs syndrome. (Refer to the explanation of Reye's in the previous section on migraine headaches.)

Prescription medications might be recommended as preventive therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of chronic tension-type headaches. Preventive medications include antidepressants with a sedating effect, such as amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil®). Or, your physician might recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs).

Treatment without Medication
Medications are helpful, but there are other ways to relieve and even stop a tension-type headache. An ice-pack on the painful area of your head. A nap, walk, or warm bath or shower. Neck massage. Or, while resting in a dimly lit room, try to release the tension in your head and neck area through progressive relaxation techniques and exercises.

Stress Management
Medications and nonmedicated treatments are very effective, but they are not substitutes for learning to recognize stressors. Once headache sufferers understand their headaches, they can develop ways of dealing with them.

Counseling - which helps a child or adolescent better understand and appreciate his personality and nature - can help kids and families identify stressful situations and then learn how to manage them.Counseling can come from several sources: Family physician, pediatrician or pediatric neurologist. School health care professional. School or private practice social worker or psychologist. Talking freely and confidentially with an objective professional can help a child or teenager successfully manage stress.

Relaxation techniques - such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation or relaxation to music - can be very effective in reducing or eliminating the tension that produces a headache. Instruction for these techniques is available on audio tape and CD, and some are available online through the "NHF Bookstore".

Biofeedback - Painless sensors connected to the body monitor changes in several physical functions - including muscle tension, blood pressure and heart rate - and display feedback on a computer screen. A biofeedback therapist will help a child or adolescent learn to recognize the signs of tension, apply a relaxation technique, and teach him or her the physical skills that can release and control the tension. Biofeedback can help a kid reduce tension and alleviate headaches.