Preventive treatment of tension-type headache in adults

Preventive treatment is used for patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches to reduce the severity and frequency of headaches and thereby reduce both the risk of medication overuse headache and overall burden of the condition. Initial treatment starts with nonpharmacologic options, but many patients who present for treatment also warrant pharmacotherapy. Acute treatments should also be offered as rescue therapy for breakthrough headaches. Refer to UpToDate topics on tension-type headaches for additional details.