Evidence
This page contains a snapshot of featured content which highlights evidence addressing key clinical questions including areas of uncertainty. Please see the main topic reference list for details of all sources underpinning this topic.
BMJ Best Practice evidence tables
Evidence tables provide easily navigated layers of evidence in the context of specific clinical questions, using GRADE and a BMJ Best Practice Effectiveness rating. Follow the links at the bottom of the table, which go to the related evidence score in the main topic text, providing additional context for the clinical question. Find out more about our evidence tables.
This table is a summary of the analysis reported in a Cochrane Clinical Answer that focuses on the above important clinical question.
Confidence in the evidence is moderate or low to moderate where GRADE has been performed and the intervention may be more effective/beneficial than the comparison for key outcomes.
Population: Adults with episodic tension-type headache
Intervention: Single-dose ibuprofen
Comparison: Placebo
| Outcome | Effectiveness (BMJ rating)? | Confidence in evidence (GRADE)? |
|---|---|---|
Pain free at 2 hours | Favors intervention | Moderate |
Pain free at 1 hour | No statistically significant difference ᵃ | Moderate |
Patient global evaluation | Favors intervention | Moderate |
Use of rescue medication over 6 hours | Favors intervention | Low |
Any adverse event | No statistically significant difference | High |
Note ᵃ The CCA notes that three RCTs with 711 people found no statistically significant difference between treatment groups but the results may be underpowered.
This evidence table is related to the following section/s:
Cochrane Clinical Answers
Cochrane Clinical Answers (CCAs) provide a readable, digestible, clinically focused entry point to rigorous research from Cochrane systematic reviews. They are designed to be actionable and to inform decision making at the point of care and have been added to relevant sections of the main Best Practice text.
- What are the effects of 1000 mg paracetamol (acetaminophen) for adults with episodic tension-type headache?
- What are the benefits and harms of aspirin 1000 mg for adults with episodic tension‐type headache?
- How does single‐dose ibuprofen 400 mg compare with placebo for treatment of adults with episodic tension‐type headache?
- What are the effects of SSRIs and SNRIs in people with tension-type headache?
- Can remotely delivered cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) help children and adolescents manage chronic pain?
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