Migraine vs. Headache: Key Differences, Symptoms & Treatment

When you feel pressure or pain in your head, it can be challenging to distinguish between a regular headache and a migraine. Understanding the difference is crucial for faster, more effective relief, as targeted treatments vary depending on the type of headache. By correctly identifying whether it's a migraine or another headache disorder, you can also take steps to prevent future episodes, improving your overall well-being. This guide will help you learn how to differentiate and manage headaches more effectively.

What is a Headache?

A headache is a painful state or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck area, which commonly affects most people. It is divided into two categories: the primary headache and the secondary headache.

Types of Headaches

• Tension Headache: These are usually caused by stress, anxiety, or tight muscles and usually result in a mild to moderate headache that feels like a tight band around the head.
• Cluster Headaches: These are very severe headaches that appear in cycles, usually on the side of the head around the eye. They are acute, but they are painful.
• Hemicrania Continua: A chronic type of headache characterised by constant pain that fluctuates in intensity and consistently occurs on one side of the face and head.

Primary headache accounts for 95% of all headaches, and the remaining 5% are identified as secondary headaches, which occur when an individual is diagnosed of having an infection, head injury, hypertension among other diseases.

What is a Migraine?

Migraine is a primary form of headache that is characterised by moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head and has a duration of 2 to 72 hours. It is not like a normal headache because it is more serious, accompanied by a few other conditions, and comes in cycles.

Migraine Phases

• Premonitory Phase: Some of the warning signs include a change in mood, stiff neck, or desire to eat certain foods, and this usually occurs a few hours or days before the onset of the migraine.
• Aura Phase: Might occur before or during migraines. Certain people may experience flashing lights, light sensitivity, or experience something like pins and needles.
• Headache Phase: This is the most painful stage, which ranges from 4 to 72 hours and is most often accompanied by throbbing pain on one side or both sides of the head.
• Postdrome Phase: Usually, after the headache disappears, one can feel tired and sometimes even joyful.

Types of Migraines

• Migraine Without Aura: The most common type, happening without any warning signs.
• Migraine With Aura: Accompanied by visual, speech, or motor disturbances before the headache.
• Abdominal Migraine: This is a common illness that affects children and its usual symptom is not a headache but acute abdominal pain that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Hemiplegic Migraine: Looks like a stroke and includes temporary paralysis in certain areas of the body.

Key Differences Between Headaches and Migraines

Duration

• Headaches: Normally range from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
• Migraines: May last 4 to 72 hours if left untreated.

Frequency

• Headaches: It is possible to have one or more episodes of headaches in a single day.
• Migraines: Are typically less common but much longer in duration.

Symptoms

• Headaches: These are usually characterised by a headache and the absence of any other symptoms.
• Migraines: Frequently associated with nausea, vomiting, light or sound sensitivity, and vision problems.

Triggers

• Headaches: May be caused by stress, inadequate supply of water in the body, or tension.
• Migraines: May be caused by stress, inadequate supply of water in the body, or tension.

Pain Intensity

• Headaches: Pain is usually tolerable and ranges from mild to moderate in most of the cases.
• Migraines: The pain is usually sharp, often one-sided, and throbbing.

Location

• Headaches: Usually affect the forehead or rear of the head.
• Migraines: It is common to experience pain only on one side of the head.

Treatment

• Headaches: Often resolved with pain medications or getting proper rest.
• Migraines: May need a doctor’s prescription or a range of preventive measures.

Risk Factors for Migraine and Headache

Migraines

• Genetics: A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of developing them.
• Gender: Women, especially during hormonal changes like menstruation or menopause, are more prone to migraines.
• Stress and anxiety: Common triggers for migraines.
• Age: Migraines typically begin in adolescence.

Headaches

• Lifestyle: Factors such as an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, stress, muscle tightness, and irregular meal patterns can all contribute to the onset of headaches.
• Sleep: Both excessive and insufficient sleep can lead to the onset of headaches.
• Environmental factors: Bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells, and fluctuations in weather or atmospheric pressure can provoke headaches.
• Alcohol and caffeine: Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can lead to the onset of headaches.

Diagnosis

Doctors rely on a combination of:

• Medical History: Understanding the frequency, intensity, and patterns of headaches.
• Neurological Exam: Conducting a check-up to rule out other neurological conditions.
• Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRIs may be used to identify underlying causes.

Treatment for Migraine and Headache

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are used for tension headaches, while triptans and anti-nausea drugs treat migraines.
• Lifestyle Changes: If a certain activity or food is known to cause headaches or migraines, then it should be avoided; stress should be controlled, and proper sleep should be sought.

Home Remedies for Headaches

• Hydration: One of the well-known causes of headaches is dehydration.
• Cold compresses: Apply a cold pack to the head may help decrease inflammation and, therefore, relieve pain.
• Relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises help alleviate tension headaches.

When to See a Doctor?

If headaches or migraines become more frequent or severe, don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, or are accompanied by neurological symptoms like vision loss, speech difficulties, or limb weakness, it’s time to see a doctor.

Outlook

Both migraines and headaches can significantly interfere with an individual’s regular activities; however, most patients are able to cope with the conditions using medications, changes in their daily routines, or by avoiding the precipitating factors. Timely diagnosis and treatment are possible to enhance the quality of life of the patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a headache turn into a migraine?

Yes, a tension headache can sometimes escalate into a migraine.

Can migraine headaches cause vomiting?

Yes, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraines.

Can migraines be on both sides of your head?

While migraines typically affect one side, they can sometimes occur on both sides.

Does migraine cause dizziness?

Migraines can lead to dizziness, particularly during the aura phase.

When are migraines dangerous?

Migraines can be dangerous if accompanied by sudden severe symptoms like vision loss or difficulty speaking, which may indicate a stroke.

Can migraines be cured?

Migraines cannot be cured, but they can be effectively managed with medications and lifestyle changes.