Understanding Headaches and Migraines: Key Differences

When experiencing severe pain and pressure in the head, distinguishing between a simple headache and a migraine can be difficult. Recognizing the difference is essential for effective relief, timely treatment, and preventing future episodes. This article explains the main distinctions, including symptoms and types, to help you identify what you are experiencing.

What is a headache? Headaches are one of the most common types of discomfort. They can range from mild to intense and typically affect both sides of the head. Duration varies from 30 minutes to a week. There are primary headaches, occurring without underlying illness, such as tension, cluster, or hemicrania. Secondary headaches are caused by other health issues like colds, flu, tumors, or injuries.

What is a migraine? Migraines involve a broader range of symptoms and can last from four hours to several days. They often progress through stages, including symptoms like vomiting, temple pain, temporary vision loss, nausea, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. While the exact cause remains under research, there are two main types: migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An aura is a warning sign, such as visual flashes, tingling sensations, or unusual tastes or smells, experienced before the headache fully manifests.

Differences between headaches and migraines:

The pain from migraines tends to be moderate to severe, sometimes requiring emergency assistance. Migraines usually affect one side of the head but can involve both. The pain is often throbbing, disrupting daily activities. Unlike other headaches, no specific test confirms a migraine, but a physician may assess its duration and symptoms for diagnosis.