Chronic tension headaches are characterized by which pattern?

• A. Occur almost daily and persist for weeks or months
• B. Occur only once a year
• C. Are caused by bacterial infection
• D. Do not cause any discomfort

Answer: (A)

Chronic tension headaches show a frequent, long-lasting pattern. They occur on most days and persist for weeks or months, fitting the definition of chronic—typically 15 or more headache days per month for at least three months. That’s why the description of headaches that happen almost daily and endure for weeks or months is the best match. The other options don’t fit because you don’t get chronic headaches from a yearly occurrence or from a bacterial infection, and these headaches do cause discomfort rather than none.