Do you sometimes get headaches that feel like a tight band around your head? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from tension headaches, the most common type of headache.

Tension headache pain can range from moderate to severe, and the fact is that doctors don’t really know what causes them. But they do know a lot about tension headache pain relief, with treatments ranging from aspirin to Tylenol to Butalbital.

Take the following tension headache quiz to find out how much you really know about tension headaches, and the best options for the pain relief you need. The quiz answers are below… good luck!

1. Which of these statements about tension headaches is incorrect?

1. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
2. Tension headaches are most prevalent in people between 20 and 50 years of age.
3. Tension headaches are frequently called tension-type headaches by many doctors.
4. Tension headaches are usually caused by an underlying disease or illness.

2. Which of the following factors or conditions can aggravate a tension headache or make pain relief more difficult?

1. Poor posture.
2. Hormonal changes.
3. Substance abuse.
4. All of the above can aggravate a tension headache.

3. Which of these medications is NOT commonly prescribed to provide pain relief from tension headaches?

1. Tylenol.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3. Augmentin.
4. Butalbital.

4. Which of these is a type of tension headache?

1. Chronic tension headache.
2. Persistent intense tension headache (PITH).
3. Hyperallergic tension headache.
4. Endocrinal tension headache.

5. Which of the following is a good reason to be careful when using over-the-counter medications for tension headaches?

1. Over-the-counter tension headache drugs can have side effects.
2. While they provide pain relief, many over-the-counter tension headache drugs cause patients to gain weight.
3. Tension headaches often don’t respond to over-the-counter medication.
4. Over-the-counter tension headache medications frequently cause insomnia.

6. Which of these non-drug treatments or activities can provide pain relief to some tension headache sufferers?

1. Relaxation exercises.
2. Massage.
3. Acupuncture.
4. All of the above can provide pain relief to some people who are prone to tension headaches.

7. People who suffer from tension headaches have a variety of options for both pain relief, as well as for avoiding tension headaches in the first place. Which of these statements about tension headaches and/or pain relief is NOT true?

1. Antidepressants like Prozac can be an effective way to avoid tension headaches.
2. Anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax can help prevent tension headaches.
3. NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen have been shown to be effective in both avoiding tension headaches and providing pain relief.
4. When used as directed, a barbiturate like Butalbital can relieve the pain of chronic tension headaches.

8. There are different Butalbital formulations available that help maximize pain relief from tension headaches. Which of the following is NOT a common Butalbital pain relief formulation?

1. Butalbital with acetaminophen and caffeine.
2. Butalbital with valium.
3. Butalbital with aspirin.
4. All of the above are common formulations of Butalbital for pain relief.

9. Which of the following conditions would discourage a doctor from prescribing Butalbital for treating a tension headache?

1. Obesity.
2. Liver problems.
3. Chronic cough.
4. Insomnia.

10. Butalbital can be a very effective way of treating the pain associated with a tension headache. What is one of the most important things to remember when taking Butalbital?

1. You can maximize pain relief by taking Butalbital at the same time as anti-anxiety medication.
2. Always eat a low-fat meal before taking Butalbital for pain relief.
3. For maximum effectiveness, take Butalbital well after the onset of a tension headache attack.
4. Because Butalbital can be habit-forming, always follow your doctor or healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.

11. Which of the following is the most common side effect experienced by people who take Butalbital for tension headache pain relief?

1. Drowsiness.
2. Insomnia.
3. Skin rash or irritation.
4. Both A and C above are common side effects experienced by Butalbital users.

For more information about tension headaches and how to treat them, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.com.

Answers: 1) D 2) D 3) C 4) A 5) A 6) D 7) C 8) B 9) B 10) D 11) A

eDrugStore Staff

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