Chronic tension-type headache also is a common headache disorder. The quality of these headaches is most similar to episodic tension-type headache, however these headaches occur much more frequently.

Criteria for diagnosing chronic tension-type headache include the following:

A. Average headache frequency is greater than or equal to 15 days per month (180 days per year). These headaches have occurred for at least six months.

B. At least two of the following four characteristics are present.

1. Pressing/tightening (non-pulsating) quality.
2. Mild or moderate severity.
3. Both sides of the head are involved.
4. No worsening of the headache with physical activity.

C. Both of the following.

1. No vomiting.
2. No more than one of the following:

a. Nausea.
b. Headaches made worse by bright light.
c. Headaches made worse by loud noises.

D. The headaches are not secondary to specific brain problem such as a stroke or a brain tumor.