The Difference Between Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are any uncomfortable pain in the head that can cause pressure and pain. The headache can occur on one or both sides of the head, and the pain can range from mild to severe. It can occur in specific areas like the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. There are different types of headaches.

Migraine is head pain which can be intense and severe. It can be on one side of the head or can affect both sides of the head. A migraine attack usually causes intense pain that can be throbbing and affect daily tasks. The attack itself is divided into two categories: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An aura is a sensation or a feeling a person may experience before a migraine attack.

Headache symptoms

Tension headaches are a dull aching pain that occurs on both sides of the head. It can feel like pressure around the forehead, and tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles. It usually occurs due to stress, poor posture, dehydration, and sometimes eye strain. It can last for 30 minutes to hours and sometimes persist for days.

Cluster headaches are severe, piercing pain on one side of the head or around that eye, often with redness, swelling, and even tearing of the eye. The reason they occur is unknown, but they are usually thought to involve abnormalities in the hypothalamus. They occur in clusters over weeks or months, with each attack lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Sinus headaches are deep, contact pain in the cheekbones or forehead, or nose. It is usually accompanied by nasal congestion, fever, or facial swelling. It is caused by inflammation or infection of the sinus. They last for days or until the underlying sinus is resolved.

Other types of headaches are caffeine withdrawal headaches, which can be mild and often associated with fatigue, or post-traumatic headaches, which can be accompanied by sleep difficulties post a traumatic event.

Migraine symptoms

The symptoms of migraine are intense, throbbing pain usually on one side. Migraines can be with or without an aura. An aura can be described as a visual disturbance, such as light, blind spots, or tingling in the hands and face, that occurs before the migraine begins. Other common symptoms are nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds as well as sounds and touch. These can last from 4 hours to 72 hours if untreated.

Headache causes

Tension headaches usually occur due to stress, poor posture, dehydration, and sometimes eye strain. It can last for 30 minutes to hours and sometimes persist for days.

Cluster headaches is unknown but are usually thought to involve abnormalities in the hypothalamus. They occur in clusters over weeks or months, with each attack lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation or infection of the sinuses. They last for days or until the underlying sinus is resolved.

Secondary headaches could be due to a side effect of a medication, or could be some sort of headache disorder or medical condition causing the headache pain. It is also possible to have a medication overuse headache due to having high traces of a medicine in the system.

Migraine causes

The usual cause is genetics, as migraines generally run in families. Hormonal changes, especially in women, can be triggered by menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause.Sleep deprivation is also a common migraine trigger, and usually resting will ease an attack.

Environmental factors such as weather changes, strong smells, and bright flashing lights can all be possible migraine trigger points. There are certain dietary triggers, including alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and aged cheese.

Headache treatment

There are many treatments for headaches. There are over-the-counter medications for pain relief such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol. There are lifestyle modifications that can help prevent headaches. These include stress management techniques, regular exercise, proper hydration, and adequate sleep.

Identifying and avoiding triggers are important to prevent headaches. Maintaining good posture, taking frequent breaks during activities, and implementing relaxation techniques can all help in the prevention of headaches.

Migraine treatment

Migraines are often improved by resting/sleeping in a dark, quiet room and placing an ice pack on the neck.There are various options for treating migraines. Pain relief medications may help with a mild migraine. Other, more moderate to severe migraines would need prescription medications such as triptans, ergotamines, and anti-nausea medicines.

There is a major role of non-pharmacological actions or lifestyle adjustments, such as behavioral therapy and establishment of regular sleep, balanced diet, and stress management.Some benefits have been seen in preventative medications such as beta blockers and certain antidepressants. It is also advisable to avoid any physical activity as it is worsened by movement.

• If the headaches or migraine occur frequently or are debilitating (prevent you from engaging in daily activities), you should seek medical attention.
• If you have a new migraine or headache and you are over the age of 65 years and have a history of cancer or weakened immune system, or are pregnant or postpartum, you should seek medical attention.
• If you believe your headaches are medication induced or come with vision changes, confusion, fever and stiff neck.

Individuals who may have a new onset of headache-type pain or are suddenly getting severe headaches, a consultation with a health professional may be necessary. A migraine or headache management plan developed by a doctor can help manage the condition.