Which statement about tension-type headache symptoms is true?

Which statement about tension-type headache symptoms is true?

• A. Premonitory symptoms are typically absent.
• B. Premonitory symptoms are often present.
• C. Premonitory symptoms are never present.
• D. Premonitory symptoms occur with aura.

Answer: (B)

Premonitory symptoms are early signs that can precede a headache attack. In tension-type headache, the pain is typically bilateral, pressing, and of mild to moderate intensity, but some people do notice nonspecific signs that come before the pain starts—things like fatigue, mood changes, yawning, or neck stiffness. These premonitory cues reflect early activation of brain networks involved in pain processing and autonomic regulation, showing that even non-migraine headaches can have an initial warning phase. Aura is a feature more characteristic of migraine with aura, not tension-type headache, so statements tying premonitory signs to aura aren’t appropriate. That's why the idea that premonitory symptoms are often present best fits the reality of tension-type headache among the options.

Premonitory symptoms are early signs that can precede a headache attack. In tension-type headache, the pain is typically bilateral, pressing, and of mild to moderate intensity, but some people do notice nonspecific signs that come before the pain starts—things like fatigue, mood changes, yawning, or neck stiffness. These premonitory cues reflect early activation of brain networks involved in pain processing and autonomic regulation, showing that even non-migraine headaches can have an initial warning phase. Aura is a feature more characteristic of migraine with aura, not tension-type headache, so statements tying premonitory signs to aura aren’t appropriate. That's why the idea that premonitory symptoms are often present best fits the reality of tension-type headache among the options.