Am I Experiencing a Migraine or a Headache?

Headaches affect everyone. Some are mild, while others can leave you in terrible pain that makes it difficult to focus.

If your headaches have become more regular or they’re becoming worse, it’s important to know whether you’re experiencing a migraine or a headache.

We’re going to unpack the differences in this blog.

Migraines vs Headaches

Even though migraines are known to be incredibly painful, headaches can be severe too – so, how do you know what you’re experiencing?

Headaches Explained

Headaches are split into two categories: primary and secondary.

Primary headaches are caused by independent conditions, leading to pain in the head, neck, and even the face. Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are caused by underlying conditions such as stress or even long-term use of medication.  

Migraines Explained

Migraines are actually a type of primary headache, but the pain is far more severe.

If you’re suffering from a migraine, you might experience intense throbbing that lasts for hours. It’s also common for the pain to only present on one side of the head, but it can affect the whole head too.

Something else that sets migraines apart from regular headaches is that they tend to occur in phases.

• Premonitory phase. These are symptoms that occur before the pain sets in. Common symptoms include neck stiffness, a mood change, constipation, and sensitivity to lights and sound.
• Aura phase. During this stage, you might notice changes in your vision or speech. Seeing flashing lights and lines are common. You may also find it difficult to think and see clearly.
• Headache phase. This is when mild to severe pain sets in. In some cases, you may need to seek medical attention for pain management.
• Postdrome phase. In the final stage, the migraine begins to subside. During this time, you will feel confused, unwell, and incredibly tired. This phase can last for several days sometimes.

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches and Their Causes

Migraines

As mentioned above, migraines are a type of headache and also the most intense because of their often-debilitating effects, especially if they last for several days. Some of the most common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, seasonal changes, hormonal changes, and foods such as aged cheese.

Tension Headaches

These headaches are brought on by stress, poor posture, fatigue, alcohol, and caffeine, leaving you with a dull, consistent pain that feels like it’s constricting your head. It can also cause pain in your neck. These headaches don’t last very long, but if you’re getting them as often as 15+ days a month, they could be chronic.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache occurs on one side of the head and can last for as long as 3 months. However, the pain will last several hours at a time. They occur most often just after you fall asleep – a gradual mild ache is another sign that a cluster headache is on its way. Cluster headaches are most common among smokers and heavy drinkers.

New Daily Persistent Headaches

These headaches are similar to tension headaches, with some of the symptoms of migraines, including nausea and light sensitivity. It seems that illnesses such as flu or even surgery can cause this specific type of headache, with the pain being moderate to severe.

When Should I Worry About a Headache?

A typical headache will cause pain in your head, face, and/or neck. The only time you should seek medical attention is if the pain is more severe than you can handle or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.

The symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore include:

• A high fever
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Fainting
• Loss of balance
• A nosebleed
• Face tingling
• Confusion and difficulty speaking
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Hearing difficulties
• Seizures
• Swelling

Relief from Severe Headaches

Headaches are a nuisance. Not only can they make you feel unwell, but they can disrupt your day entirely. If you’re looking for effective pain relief from headaches, having a supplement such as Migravent on hand can make all the difference.