Tension Headache Research Paper

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Pages: 7
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Does Over-the-Counter Acetaminophen Relieve Tension Headache any Differently than Over –the-Counter Ibuprofen?

By
Jack Runyan

Master’s Project

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the
Degree of:
Masters in Physician Assistant Studies

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
College of Health Sciences & Human Services
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Edinburg, Texas

May 2011

Abstract:
Tension headache is the most common headache treated in a primary care practice. The primary care provider should be informed of all options for treatment of the tension headache. It is desirable to use over-the-counter medications, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to treat tension headache. This analysis was intended …show more content…
It is estimated by the American Council on Headache Management (ACHM) that headaches account for approximately 8% to 15% of all visits to a Primary Care Provider (PCP) (1). Of these, it is estimated that over 50% of the patients seen with headache are suffering from a Tension Headache (TH) (1). A TH is recognized as a muscle tension headache within the pericranial skeletal muscles which are usually triggered by psychological stress (2). The TH may be episodic or chronic and usually respond well to treatment with over-the- counter analgesics (1). This investigation of the current literature was conducted to discover if there is any difference in TH pain relief with acetaminophen, when compared to ibuprofen. With this knowledge, patients can be properly informed and self-treat for TH with over-the-counter medications, avoiding a lengthy and costly visit with the …show more content…
The PCP is obligated with dependably assessing the TH, to rule out other less common, but potentially more serious headaches. Once the diagnosis of TH has been established, it is imperative find a medication, or medication combination that will effectively relieve the TH. In most instances, it is desirable to discover, with collaboration with the PCP, an effective over-the-counter medication so that the patient can self-treat at the onset of the TH (9). It appears however, that drug combinations, usually with scheduled drugs, are the most effective in alleviating a TH (8,9,10,11). No studies have evaluated the combination of Acetaminophen with
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