FREQUENT EPISODIC TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE IN STUDENTES OF PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSE

Abstract

Introduction: Frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH), is described as frequent episodes of pain, located on both sides of the head, as a feeling of pressure or tightening, from mild to moderate intensity which may last from 30 minutes to seven days. The pain does not worsen with routine physical effort and may present photophobia or phonophobia. In this case, headache is one of the most common reasons for the complaint of children and adolescents, and it is a major problem among college students because it leads to the loss of study days and a decrease in academic performance. Objective: The aim of the present study was to conduct a survey on the prevalence of FETTH in students of Physiotherapy course of Centro Universitário do Triângulo (Unitri). Method: The research was done with the students registered in Physiotherapy course, in the second half of 2015, from the application of a questionnaire about the International Classification of Headache, according to the diagnostic criteria for FETTH. Result: Among the students, 18 (7.5%) presented FETTH, based on these classification criteria, but it was expected that 50% of the students expose symptoms indicative of TTHEF. Conclusion: It is concluded that FETTH is a type of headache that is not very prevalent in the academic context of the Physiotherapy course of the referred institution.