Tension-type headache and migraine – management

Woman with a headache

How to manage tension-type headache and migraines

The management of tension-type headache (TTH) and migraines are similar. Each patient needs to be assessed to determine what it is they have, ruling out signs and symptoms that may indicate other more serious causes of the headache, treating the acute pain and counselling patients on how to avoid triggers.1

Treatment of the acute pain however, can differ depending on whether it is a TTH or migraine and can include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods. Additionally, there are specific treatments for acute migraine attacks and preventive therapy.1

Management of tension-type headache and migraines

Woman with headache

Non-pharmacological management for headaches 1,2

Some of these methods may help patients suffering from headaches find relief. Depending on the pain intensity, these might work alone or support better relief together with medications.

Consider recommending a headache diary to your patient

This will help them track triggers and also the types of medicines they are on and how effective they are

Advise patients to rest in a dark and quiet room
Sleeping can help, if possible
Apply a cold compress to the head
Learning stress management skills
Adjusting lifestyle such as reducing caffeine intake, ensuring regular exercise and avoiding irregular or inadequate sleep
Scientist in lab

Pharmacological management for headaches 1-3

For treating acute attacks:

TTH Migraines
Mild-TTH may not require treatment Mild-to-moderate migraines can be treated with adequate doses of analgesics like paracetamol or NSAIDs
Moderate-to-severe TTH can be treated with appropriate doses of analgesics such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium

Severe migraines may require more migraine specific drugs like triptans or ergot alkaloids

If the migraine has associated symptoms such as nausea and/or vomiting, add supporting drugs like antiemetics (metoclopramide or domperidone)

Preventive treatment for TTH is usually non-pharmacological

However, if the patient suffers from severe or chronic TTH, drugs such as amitriptyline or mirtazapine may be considered

Preventive treatment for migraines are mostly prescription drugs:

- First choice drugs like beta-blockers (propranolol and metoprolol), flunarizine, valproic acid and topiramate

- Second choice includes amitriptyline, naproxen, petasites extract and bisoprolol

Remember to determine if your patients are able to take these medications prior to recommending them. Consider if they have comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, liver disease, peptic ulcer disease and cardiovascular disease, and if they are on any medications that may interact with treatment for the headache.

Understanding headaches and migraines

Icon for headache

Headaches & migraine overview

Find out more about how headaches and migraines impact people’s life.

Overview

Icon for learning

Learn about the causes and triggers

Discover the causes and triggers for the more common types of primary headache disorders – tension type headache and migraines

Causes

Icon of a doctor

How do they present?

Find out the signs and symptoms of tension-type headache and migraine. Learn to differentiate them and learn about “red flag” symptoms that indicate a referral to a doctor.

Signs and symptoms

Learn more

Educational resource

Educational resources

Access detailed clinical information about pain.

Find out more

Panadol Extra pack shot

Panadol Extra

Fights 5 types of tough pain - migraine headache,  tension headache,  period pain,  dental pain and muscle aches and pains.4

Find out more

Targeting migraine

Migraine CPD Module

This module educates pharmacists on the best-practice management of migraine while focusing on the role of simple analgesia and other non-prescription options for patients.

Learn more