Migraine vs Headache

 

Migraine vs Headache :

How to Tell the Difference

When there is pain or pressure in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether you are having a typical headache or a migraine. 

"Migraines impact over 37 million men; women and children in the United States, but fewer than 5 percent of those affected have been accurately diagnosed and received appropriate care"

Differentiating a migraine headache from a regular headache is essential. It can mean faster relief through effective treatments and can also help in preventing future headaches from occurring in the first place. 

Knowing their key differences between a migraine and a common headache could bring you long-awaited relief.

 

Types and Causes Of Common Headaches

There are many different types of headaches, so identifying the location and nature of your pain can help determine the cause.

Some of the most common types include:

• Tension headaches: 

The pain that occurred from tension tends to spread all the sides of the head, often beginning from the back and creeping forward. This is the most common headache pain. Stress, eye strain, and hunger are random causes of tension headaches, and they can be chronic. 

• Sinus headaches: 

These headaches often strike when you are feeling congested or sick. They are caused by swelling in the sinus passages, turning into pain behind the nose, cheeks, and eyes. The pain is often at its worst when you wake up in the morning and when you bend forward. 

• Cluster headaches: 

These headaches are generally painful and occur in “clusters”, meaning they happen frequently or daily, sometimes up to many times per day for months. They are a result of dilation in the blood vessels of the brain due to a release of histamines and serotonin. They can be caused by bright lights, physical exertion, or even altitude. 

Migraines: More than Just a Headache

When the majority of people hear the word migraine, they often think of severe headaches. But headaches are only one symptom of migraines, and they can range in length and severity

 

"Migraines are a neurological disease that involve nerve pathways and chemicals

The changes in brain activity affect blood in the brain and surrounding tissues, causing a wide range of symptoms. Adding to severe pain, migraine sufferers may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• ​​Increased sensitivity to light, sound or smells
• Nausea​
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness

Migraine occurs in four different phases. The phases include:

• Prodrome phase: 

Sometimes known as the pre-headache phase, this stage features painless symptoms that occur days or hours before the migraine arrives. These include food cravings, mood swings, and stiffness of the neck. 

• Aura phase: 

Auras refer to sensory disturbances that occur during or before a migraine. Auras can affect a person’s touch, vision, or speech, though not everyone who suffers from migraines goes through from auras. Examples of auras include a blind spot that expands over time, blurred visions, slurred or jumbled speech, and numbness in the arm. 

• Headache phase:

This is when the pain generally hits, and it may range from mild to debilitating. Physical activity and exposure to smells, sounds, and light may worsen the pain. However, some people can have a migraine without any headaches. 

• Postdromal phase: 

In this phase, people may feel exhausted, confused, or usually unwell.

 

Causes of Migraines

While headaches usually have easily traceable causes, migraines have common triggers but no one cause. If you suffer from migraines, you may find that certain factors trigger their onset.

Triggers vary from person to person and can include:

• Gender and hormonal shifts: Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Brockman says menstrual cycles and changes in hormones are a factor in migraines in women.
• Allergies: Also called allergic rhinitis, allergies cause irritation and inflammation in the body. Because migraines are associated with inflammation of the blood vessels, allergies are a known trigger for some people.
• Family history and genetics: People with family members suffering from migraines are more likely to develop migraines themselves. Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that is common in those with the most typical type of migraine.
• Environmental: This category includes a wide range of triggers, like changes in weather, stress, food, smells and lack of sleep.

 

Treatment for Migraines and Headaches

While there is no specific cure for headaches and migraines, medication and lifestyle changes can help treat your symptoms and prevent future episodes.

 

 

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting lifestyle changes may also help prevent some types of headaches and migraines. These include:

·        Exercising regularly

• Improving sleep habits

 

·        Making dietary changes to avoid trigger foods

• Practicing relaxation techniques, like yoga and meditation

 

Note things like the day and time your headache or migraine began your surroundings and activity before symptoms started, and how long the pain lasted.

This information can help you and your physician create a plan to avoid your triggers and reduce the frequency of your migraines or headaches.

Prescription Medications

If you experience moderate to severe migraines on a regular basis, Prescription medication may help reduce the severity of your migraines and prevent future occurrences.

 

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