Many people can misinterpret their headache, for a migraine. After all, the pain is coming from the
same area and causes suffering. But there are some key distinctions between the two that can allow
you to tell which is which.
What is a headache?
Headaches can take different forms; tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches,
thunderclap headaches and more. They typically last around 20minutes to a few hours and can
range from very mild to severe.
The most common area you will get pain in during a headache is the head; but can also extend to the
face or neck region.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition, and typically only affects one side of the head. It may last
longer than headaches, usually over 4 hours but sometimes up to 1 to 2 days.
Whilst around 50% of adults in the US experienced headaches, about 15% of adults in the US
experienced migraines.
There are some symptoms unique to migraines that don’t occur in headaches, such as:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Vomiting
Summary
Correctly differentiating between headaches and types of migraines can lead to more effective
treatment and better management of symptoms. Despite the thoroughness of this article, it can still
be difficult to accurately diagnose migraines without the help of a healthcare professional. If you are
experiencing recurring headaches, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation.