Detection and comprehensive assessment of tension headache

Abstract

Tension type headache constitutes a serious health problem as it tends to severely affect both individual and social components of human performance. These headaches cause irritability, diminished attention, concentration difficulties, and sleep disorders, among many other deteriorating effects. Few studies have developed screening instruments for tension type headache. Although some studies have attempted so, they have used relatively obsolete classification systems. The present study aimed at designing an easy-to-apply instrument able to reliably identify individuals with tension type headache and to yield valid and reliable records on diagnostic criteria. A total of 160 persons participated, 80 previously diagnosed tension type headache outpatients of Mexico’s National Institute of Neurology and 80 apparently healthy persons. Results point out to a valid and reliable instrument with good discriminatory power to effectively distinguish those who suffer the disorder from those who do not.