How to prepare for a video visit about Tension Headache

Audience: adult

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. They often cause a dull, aching pain or pressure around your head, especially on both sides. Preparing well for a video visit about tension headaches can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better and offer the right advice. This guide explains how to get ready for your telemedicine appointment, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can help with education and initial assessment but is not a substitute for in-person care when symptoms are severe or unusual. Being prepared with information about your headache patterns, lifestyle, and any other symptoms will make your visit more effective and helpful.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache unlike any before — seek emergency care immediately.
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures — call emergency services.
• Weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision loss with headache — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of headache symptoms and history.
• Education about tension headaches and lifestyle advice.
• Guidance on over-the-counter treatments and self-care.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or tests are needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with severe or sudden symptoms.
• Physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Imaging tests or laboratory tests.
• Prescribing controlled substances or complex treatments without in-person evaluation.

What is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches usually feel like a tight band or pressure around your head. They often come on gradually and can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Common triggers include stress, poor posture, fatigue, and eye strain. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically do not cause nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, but they can still be uncomfortable and affect your daily activities.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider about your headaches from home. They can ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to help identify possible causes. Telemedicine is useful for education, guidance on managing headaches, and deciding if you need further tests or in-person care. Your provider may suggest lifestyle changes, over-the-counter treatments, or when to seek emergency care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather key information to share:

Ensure your device has a good internet connection, and find a quiet, well-lit space for the visit.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your headaches and overall health. They may observe you on camera to check for signs like muscle tension or posture issues. Based on your information, they will discuss possible causes and recommend next steps, which may include lifestyle tips, medications, or referrals for further evaluation.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some headache symptoms require urgent medical attention. Contact emergency services or visit an emergency room if you experience:

These signs may indicate serious conditions that need prompt in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Keep a headache diary noting frequency, duration, intensity, and triggers.
• List all current medications and supplements.
• Prepare to describe other symptoms and your medical history.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and connected to the internet.
• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting for the video visit.
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any lifestyle or medication advice given by your provider.
• Monitor your headaches and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Use headache diaries to track progress and share updates with your provider.

FAQs

What causes tension headaches?

Tension headaches can be caused by stress, muscle tightness, poor posture, fatigue, or eye strain. They often result from muscle contractions in the head and neck area.

Can I treat tension headaches at home?

Yes, many tension headaches improve with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, good posture, and regular breaks from screens. However, if headaches worsen or change, consult a healthcare provider.

How can I tell if my headache is more serious?

Serious headaches often come on suddenly, are very severe, or are accompanied by symptoms like fever, confusion, weakness, or vision changes. These require urgent medical attention.

Will my provider prescribe medication during a video visit?

Your provider may suggest over-the-counter options or prescribe medications if appropriate. However, some medications may require in-person evaluation before prescribing.

How often should I have follow-up visits for tension headaches?

Follow-up depends on your symptoms and treatment response. Your provider will advise if and when to schedule additional visits.

Sources

1. Tension Headaches — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Headache Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Headache: Diagnosis and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Tension-Type Headache: Clinical Features and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe or unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.