An estimated 40 million people suffer from migraines per year, with tension-type headaches being the second most common type. Tension headaches tend to be subtle in symptoms but can cause significant levels of discomfort.
If your tension headaches oftentimes come with a case of dizziness, you’re not alone. The two disorders often partner up, especially in cases where chronic tension headaches are the issue.
You shouldn’t suffer needlessly, which is why you should take action today. For a more in-depth discussion on “do tension headaches cause dizziness”, what they are, tension headache symptoms, and how to get relief, keep reading.
The Relationship Between Tension Headaches and Dizziness
There is a lot of debate surrounding the relationship between tension headaches and dizziness. Some people claim that tension headaches can cause dizziness, while others say that the two are unrelated.
There is no clear answer, and more research is needed to determine the exact relationship between the two.
Symptoms of Tension Headaches
There are many symptoms of tension headaches, and dizziness might be one of them. It’s not clear why tension headache causes dizziness. Some different things can cause this, but tension headaches are one of the most common causes.
There are a few different ways that tension headaches might cause dizziness. One way is by causing the muscles in the neck and head to contract. This can cause the blood vessels in the head to constrict, which can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
Another way that tension headaches can cause dizziness is when an individual feels anxious or stressed. Overwhelming emotions or info inside your brain can make you feel dizzy.
Managing Tension Headaches and Dizziness
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and it is not uncommon for people to experience dizziness along with it. If you suffer from tension headaches, you can do a few things to help manage them and keep the dizziness at bay.
First, try to identify any triggers that might be causing your headaches and avoid them if possible. Be sure to stay hydrated and get enough rest. And, if you experience both tension headaches and dizziness, over-the-counter pain relievers may help relieve the pain of tension headaches.
Causes Tension Headaches
The exact cause of tension headaches is not known. They are believed to be caused by muscle tension or imbalances in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Also, stress and dehydration are both common triggers for both tension headaches and dizziness.
Causes of Dizziness
Dizziness is sometimes caused by a health condition like poor blood and air circulation, infections, or injury. The pain of a tension headache can make it difficult to concentrate, which can also lead to dizziness.
Additionally, increased muscle tension can cause blood vessels to constrict. This can lead to less blood flow to the brain and cause dizziness. Other possible causes of dizziness are motion sickness, medication side effects, or in-ear problems.
How to Treat Tension Headaches
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent or cure tension headaches, some things can help. Relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help to reduce stress and muscle tension. Massage and hot/cold packs can also help to relieve muscle tension.
Treatment for tension headaches often includes over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A doctor may prescribe a more potent pain reliever if these do not relieve the pain. In addition, if you’re struggling with frequent or severe tension headaches, you must talk to a doctor to find the best treatment plan.
How to Treat Dizziness
There are a few things that you can do to treat dizziness if you think that your tension headache is the cause. First, make sure that you are drinking plenty of fluids.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can also help. A gentle massage and relaxation techniques can all be effective in reducing the pain and dizziness associated with tension headaches. If you feel very dizzy, you can try lying down in a dark, quiet room until the symptoms subside.
When to See a Doctor About Tension Headaches and Dizziness
If you have a tension headache, you may feel like your head is being squeezed or like there is a band around your head. You may also have a dull, aching pain.
Tension headaches can be caused by stress, tension, or anxiety. While tension headaches are not usually a cause for concern, they can sometimes be a symptom of a more severe condition.
If you have a tension headache, you may want to see a doctor to make sure that it is not caused by something else. If your tension headaches are severe, occur more than once a week, or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or fever, you should see a professional doctor at the nationalheadacheinstitute.com who specializes in headaches.
Once potential causes have been ruled out, there are some treatment options available to help relieve both tension headaches and dizziness.
Learn if Do Tension Headaches Cause Dizziness
So, do tension headaches cause dizziness? They may cause pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. Although tension headaches can cause achy muscles and a sense of pressure around the head, they generally don’t cause dizziness.
If you experience dizziness and a tension headache, it’s likely due to other causes, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or anxiety. Consider talking to your doctor about treatment options and trying at-home remedies like relaxation techniques to get relief.
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