2.3 Chronic tension-type headache

A hairdresser has endured recurring headaches for approximately four months. She keeps a diary and headaches feature on about 19 days most months. Each episode tends to persist for hours once it takes hold, and she describes a tight, constricting sensation rather than a pounding or throbbing one. Standing for long periods at the salon or carrying shopping does not, in her experience, make the headache any worse than it already is. She has never vomited during a headache, has had no accompanying nausea, and does not find light or noise particularly troublesome when a headache is present.