Repressed emotions can also precipitate migraine headaches, and the muscle tension often brought on by stress situations can add to the severity of the headache. After a stressful period there may be a letdown which can, in itself, trigger a migraine headache. The arteries may be constricted by prolonged stress, and when the individual is finally able to relax, the blood vessels may dilate, causing the headache. This may be one reason for weekend headaches. Attacks occurring during a relaxation period, after stress, can often be helped by modifying the stressful periods and keeping busier during leisure times.
Stress is an important factor in muscle contraction or tension-type headache.
Chronic and repeated stress will cause daily or almost daily tension-type headache. Help is provided by lowering stress, psychotherapy, biofeedback, behavioral modification, and the use of antidepressant drugs under the watchful eye of a physician. All rights reserved.