The history of tension-type headache: a bibliographical journey from Arnold P. Friedman to today

M. D. Calabria
Neurosciences and History 2020;8(3):109-119

Type of article: REVIEW

AUTHOR

M. D. Calabria
Neurology Department. Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

ABSTRACT

Introduction. Tension-type headache is a disease whose conception has changed over time.

Material and methods. We performed a literature search of the PubMed database using the keywords “tensiontype headache” and “tension headache.”

Results. We found publications from the 1950s highlighting differences between this type of headache and migraine, such as its better response to placebo. However, it was not until 1990s that research activity rapidly grew, and a more comprehensive perspective gradually took shape, despite the conception of the disease remaining somewhat incomplete. In the 2000s, the number of publications on tension-type headache trebled, further clarifying the concept, with clear distinctions based on episode frequency, and the recognition of other more complex elements such as headache of genetic origin.

Conclusions. The history of the concept of tension-type headache shows that the initial focus was on the possible psychic origin of this entity. Unlike migraine, a surprisingly small amount of research has been performed on this type of headache. However, it is worth mentioning the contributions of the different classifications of headache to the clarification of this condition. Today, a paradigm shift is to be expected that may give rise to improvements in the quality of life of these patients.

KEYWORDS

Headache, history, medical terminology, muscle contraction headache, tension headache, tension-type headache

Neurosciences and History 2020;8(3):109-119