Headache vs Migraine: How to tell them apart?

We have all been there. Woken up to a pounding head and wondered – is this just a headache or something more serious, like a migraine? But do you actually have a migraine, or was it just a really bad headache? It is easy to mistake the two, which is why some people throw around the word ‘migraine’ quite casually. While all migraines are headaches, not all headaches are migraines. Knowing what you have is crucial for getting the right treatment and managing your symptoms effectively.Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. This condition is a major reason people miss work or school, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Not all headaches are the same. They vary depending on how often they happen and how much pain they cause. Some headaches recur, while others last from days to weeks. The pain can also vary from mild to severe.Headaches are grouped into three types: primary headaches, secondary headaches, and cranial neuralgias/neuropathies.Primary headaches are those that happen on their own. Tension-type headache and migraine fall into this category.Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache condition, according to the World Health Organization. It could be stress-related or linked to musculoskeletal problems in the neck. It begins in the teen years and affects 50% more women than men. One can have infrequent, frequent, or chronic episodes. Though the exact reasons behind this are unknown, recent research suggests that a person’s genes, brain signals, and muscle tenderness play important roles.Some triggers include:Imagine a tight band around the head, causing pressure or tightness. Most people feel pain on both sides of the head. The pain is usually mild to moderate. It can occur in the forehead and temples, and may also be felt at the back of the neck. It typically lasts from 5 minutes to 4 hours, although some severe cases may last up to 7 days.Who is more prone to TTH?Migraine, on the other hand, is a condition in which a person has repeated attacks of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. According to WHO, these recurring attacks are often lifelong. It often begins at puberty and generally affects those aged between 35 and 45 years. Migraine attacks are more common in women, possibly due to hormonal influences. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:The symptoms of migraine can vary from person to person. However, the above symptoms are common and can occur all at once during an attack, or separately between attacks. Migraine attacks may last from hours to days and can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities.Migraine is often described by patients as severe throbbing and pulsating pain, which can last from 4 to 72 hours. In a video shared by Northwestern Medicine on Facebook, Katherine S. Carroll, MD, neurologist, explains how migraine differs from a usual headache. “The headache of a migraine itself is oftentimes pounding and throbbing in nature. Also, migraines tend to have features associated with them, such as light and/or sound or smell sensitivity, as well as nausea and sometimes even vomiting. About 25 to 30 per cent of patients with migraine do experience aura, and this consists of a variety of different visual symptoms, such as sparkles of light, swirls of colour, white spots in the periphery of the vision, or blurry spots in their vision. These visual symptoms can last from five minutes up to an hour and oftentimes occur before the onset of a migraine headache,” she said.The neurologist also shared some non-medicinal remedies that may help relieve migraine headaches. These include placing ice packs on the affected area, resting in a quiet, dark room, applying essential oils, and using other topical treatments. “Medication, including ibuprofen or paracetamol, can also be used. Over-the-counter migraine medications often include a small amount of caffeine, because sometimes when one is having a migraine headache and consumes a small amount of caffeine, it can provide pain relief,” she said.However, headaches should never be dismissed or self-medicated, especially if they do not go away within a few hours. “One should seek medical help when they are not getting any pain relief from over-the-counter medications. They should also seek medical attention when they feel their migraines are increasing in frequency or severity, and begin to affect their quality of life and their ability to carry out daily activities,” she said.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Readers should seek the guidance of a doctor or other licensed healthcare provider for any medical advice or concerns.