Headaches are a common ailment that most people experience at some point. However, when it comes to migraines, the symptoms and causes differ significantly. Although both conditions can result in pain, understanding the distinctions between a typical headache and a migraine can help sufferers seek the right treatment and make informed health decisions.
What Is a Headache?
A headache is a general term describing pain anywhere in the head or neck region. Headaches can vary in intensity and are usually classified into different types based on their cause and symptoms. Tension headaches are the most common type and often feel like a dull, aching pain or pressure around the forehead or temples. They can stem from stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, poor posture, or eye strain. Other types include cluster headaches, which occur in intense bursts around one eye, and sinus headaches, linked to sinus inflammation from infections or allergies.
Most headaches are temporary and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications, hydration, rest, or by addressing the root cause, such as reducing stress or improving posture. These headaches typically don’t cause additional neurological symptoms.
What Is a Migraine?
Migraines, on the other hand, are a neurological condition characterised by recurring and often debilitating attacks of pain, typically on one side of the head. However, unlike regular headaches, migraines are often accompanied by a variety of symptoms that affect the entire body. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances (known as aura), and even changes in mood or energy levels before the migraine hits.
Migraines tend to last longer than standard headaches, sometimes stretching from several hours to several days. They also come in distinct phases: the prodrome phase, (or pre-headache stage), where mood swings, food cravings, or irritability may appear; the aura phase, involving visual distortions like flashing lights or zigzag lines; the attack phase, marked by intense head pain and other symptoms; and finally, the postdrome phase , which can leave the sufferer feeling drained or "hungover" for a day or so after the pain subsides.
Key Differences Between Migraines and Headaches
The main differences between migraines and headaches lie in their symptoms, duration, and treatment:
Pain Intensity and Duration: Migraines typically cause more severe pain than a typical headache and can last from a few hours to three days, whereas headaches usually resolve more quickly and are less intense.
Location of Pain: Headaches, particularly tension headaches, often involve a dull, bilateral pain, meaning they affect both sides of the head. Migraines usually cause throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head.
Associated Symptoms: Migraines come with additional symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and aura, which are rare in regular headaches. This is a distinguishing factor that often helps doctors differentiate between the two
Triggers and Frequency: While stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep can trigger both headaches and migraines, migraines may also be influenced by hormonal changes, certain foods, weather changes, and other unique triggers.
Treatment: Standard headache remedies such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can often relieve tension headaches, but migraines might require prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or preventive treatments. Many migraine sufferers also benefit from using migraine-specific treatments, such as triptans.
Seeking Proper Care
Understanding the differences between migraines and headaches is essential for finding effective treatment. If you regularly experience severe headaches or migraines, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider. They can help you determine your headache type and develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms. Knowing the right approach can make a significant difference in managing pain, improving quality of life, and preventing future episodes.
This blog is not written by a medical professional and should not be considered to be medical advice nor should replace medical advice from a trained professional. Please seek advice from a medical professional should you be suffering from migraines or any other medical conditions.