In patients with tension-type headaches, which symptom is most commonly reported?

Tension-type headaches are characterized primarily by a sensation of pressure or tightness around the forehead or back of the head and neck. This symptom is the hallmark of tension-type headache and is often described as a "band-like" sensation, differing from the throbbing or pulsating quality commonly associated with migraines.

Patients typically report that the pain is bilateral and may be mild to moderate in intensity. Unlike other headache types, tension-type headaches do not usually present with features such as significant nausea, sensitivity to light, or vomiting, which are more commonly associated with migraines. Therefore, the report of pressure or tightness in patients experiencing tension-type headaches is the most commonly observed symptom and is crucial for differentiating this type of headache from others.