The Key Differences Between Migraines and Headaches

According to the International Headache Society (Yes, it’s for real!), there are more than 150 types of headaches, and the World Health Organization identifies headaches as the third-highest reason we lose time to illness.

Half of the world’s adult population is suffering from some type of recurring headache. But headaches can occur in any age, gender, and geography.

So, What Exactly is a Headache?

A headache is a visible pain in your head and face, causing a throbbing, constant, sharp, or pulsating sensation that makes your daily tasks difficult.

Headaches can be treated with the help of medications and lifestyle adjustments that include mindfulness activities, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback.

Different Types of Headaches - Two Major Categories

Based on the reason, type, and duration, headaches have been grouped into two by the medical experts - primary and secondary.

Primary headaches occur on their own. There is no reason behind them, and they cause pain in the head. Migraine is a primary headache.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as sleep disorders, tumors in the head, stress, stroke, and so on.

Understanding the type of, at least the major headaches like migraines, helps you handle it better. Here is a quick look into the ways you can identify and differentiate migraines and common headaches.

The Key Differences between Migraines and Headaches

Migraine headaches are different from common headaches. Unlike the latter, migraine takes time before reaching the curve in terms of pain, occurs in episodes, and can last from hours to days.

Common headaches are more of just uneasy pain in the head or face that causes pressure and impacts the way you go about your day. They usually occur on both sides of the head and last for 30 minutes to a day.

The Causes of Migraine

Medical researchers believe that the changes in the blood flow in certain areas of the brain is the major reason behind migraines. The inadequate blood flow to the regions in the brain might lead to chemical reactions and swelling or irritation of the blood vessels.

The swelling and irritation can be repetitive which explains the throbbing or pulsating pain a migraine patient experiences.

The Causes of Regular Headaches

When you are experiencing a headache, you know the reason behind it. It can be a stressful day at work, an argument with a family member, and even overthinking can lead to muscle tension in the head.

You might feel pressure in your head and feel stressed. A hot cup of coffee or tea can alleviate this pain. If not, over-the-counter medicines should work.

The Symptoms of a Migraine

Migraines are an intense form of headaches. The symptoms include nausea, pain on one side of the head, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, confusion, speech difficulties, and vomiting.

What Triggers Migraines?

The trigger for migraine varies from person to person, just like its symptoms. The most common trigger factors for migraines include…

• Foods: Citrus fruits, peanut butter, dairy products, chocolate, coffee, and wine. Having said that, concrete medical evidence is yet to be established as to what makes these foods trigger in certain cases.
• Emotional Stress: Constant exposure to emotional distress can lead to migraines. This is the major reason behind migraines in adults.
• Changes in Chemical Composition in the Body: Pregnancy, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and even menstrual cycles can trigger migraines.
• Lifestyle Impact: Constant exposure to light, lack of sleep, dehydration, being hungry for an extended period can trigger migraines.

The other reasons include geographical changes, certain smells, and shocks. People should be aware of their triggers and take proper care to avoid them.

Triggers for Common Headaches

Tension or tightness in the neck or head muscles leads to headaches. And this tension is caused by stress or constant physical exhaustion.

Treatment for Migraines and Common Headaches

Upon determining the exact cause whether it is a migraine or a common headache, the treatment process for migraine starts with medications.

The doctor might suggest medicines that counteract the blood vessel inflammation or swelling in the brain and work to reduce it. Typically, the medication for migraine includes triptans which is a class of drugs.

For the common headaches, stress-relieving activities should help. If the headache is persistent, take over-the-counter medications.

The Conclusion

Migraine headaches can be mild to severe. Seek medical help if the episodes are intense. However, let your doctor conduct the diagnosis for migraine and determine it before you draw any conclusions.

Migraines respond well to the therapeutic intervention by a qualified specialist. Seek proper medical help if you suspect a migraine and reach out to internal medicine specialists or neurologists.