A Detailed Comparison: Migraine Vs Headache

Experiencing pain or pressure in your head? Don’t know whether it is a normal headache or a migraine? Well, then this blog is for you. Many people who experience throbbing pain in their temples are unable to judge whether it is a typical headache or a migraine attack. However, it is important to know the difference between the two. Knowing migraine vs headache comparison can help you know the right type of treatment and further you can prevent any pain in your head.

So, keep reading the blog to learn the key differences between migraine vs headaches and get a long-awaited relief from pain. Let’s get started.

Migraine Vs Headache: How To Tell The Difference?

The best way to differentiate between a migraine vs headache is by studying each in detail. So, let’s know the meaning, types, and treatment to understand each problem in the best way possible.

An Overview Of Headache

Headaches are defined as painful sensations that can occur in any part of your head, including the forehead, temples, or back of the neck. In other words, it is unpleasing pain in your head that can further result in pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe.

A normal headache can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 4 hours. Some of the most common causes of headaches are stress, anxiety, eyestrain, and muscle strain to name a few. Headaches can also be because of medical conditions or injuries. 

Types Of Headaches

Headaches are of different types like

• Tension headache: It is one of the most common types of headache that occurs on both sides of the head. The pain ranges from mild to moderate. It feels like you are wearing a tight hairband. Tension headaches can be due to stress, hunger, and eyestrain.
• Sinus headache: People often get confused between a sinus headache and a migraine. However, a sinus headache mostly occurs due to sinus infection symptoms like cough, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. In this case, a person experiences the maximum pain while waking up in the morning or when bending forward.
• Cluster headache: Custer headache causes extreme and severe pain in one side of the head and often occurs in clusters. This means you experience headaches almost daily most likely at the same time. A person feels the pain behind or above the eye or at the temple. Physical exertion, bright lights, and high altitudes are some of the reasons for cluster headaches.
• Thunderclap headache: A “thunderclap” headache causes very intense and severe pain in your head in 60 seconds or less. It is due to a serious medical condition named subarachnoid hemorrhage that requires immediate medical attention.

An Overview Of Migraine

People often define a migraine as a severe headache. However, a headache is just one symptom of a migraine. There are many factors like duration and severity that define migraine. If left untreated, migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.

People experiencing migraine may suffer from the following symptoms.

• Intense throbbing head pain
• Increased light or sound sensitivity
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Extreme tiredness

Phases Of Migraine

Migraine occurs in 4 different phases. However, it is not necessary that everyone undergoes every phase.

• Prodrome phase: Also known as the pre-headache phase, in this phase you may experience easy-to-manage symptoms like constipation and food cravings that occur before the actual migraine.
• Aura phase: In this phase, you may experience sensory issues before or during a migraine. You may experience problems with your vision, touch, or speech. This includes blurred vision, blind spots, and speech issues.
• Headache phase: This is the phase when you actually experience pain and it can range from dull to severe. You may experience more pain in case of physical activity and exposure to bright light.
• Postdrome phase: It is the 4rth and last phase when the pain starts decreasing. You may feel tired and unwell during this stage.

Causes of Migraine

Migraine can be because of the various reasons listed below.

• Gender: You will be surprised to know that women are three times more likely to experience migraine than men.
• Allergies: Some allergies can result in inflammation in the body, which eventually can result in migraine.
• Family background: Migraine may run in families. So in case your mother, father, or any family member has a migraine problem, there is a high chance that you may experience it too.
• Other factors: Weather changes, medical issues, stress, and sleeping disorders are some of the other factors responsible for migraine.

Treatment For Migraine & Headache

While there is no exact way to treat migraine and headaches. However, there are ways to prevent them. This includes over-the-counter medicines, prescribed medicines, adequate sleep, healthy eating, exercising regularly, and practicing yoga. 

Final Words

Hopefully, now you got some idea to differentiate migraine vs headache. Though it is tricky but not impossible. Pay attention to time and severity else consult a doctor to know about your condition. Make sure to treat your condition on time else it may take a big toll on your overall health.