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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Migraine Vs. Headache - Major Differences You Need To Know!

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Dr. Gaurav SharmaPain Management Specialist • 18 Years Exp.MD, FIPM, CCEPC, Fellowship In Pain Management
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How to differentiate between a migraine and headache?

When you feel pain or pressure in your head, it may become difficult for you to assess whether you are experiencing a common headache or a migraine. Let's understand how different they are from each other. A typical headache usually affects both sides of your head and varies from a mild to moderate pain. It can last from 30 minutes to up to a period of one week.

Some specific areas which get affected by a headache are:

  • Temples
  • Forehead
  • Back of your neck

Factors that trigger this headache type are a muscle strain, stress or anxiety.

A migraine, on the other hand, is also a type of a headache which results in an acute throbbing sensation in one part of your head. Usually, migraine headaches are highly painful. Migraine pain makes it difficult for a person to carry out his/her daily tasks. Symptoms or signs associated with migraine attacks are:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to sound or light
  • Pain in the temples
  • Temporary loss of vision
  • Pain behind your ear or eye

What are the common causes of a migraine?

  1. Hormonal imbalances in women - fluctuations in oestrogen, especially during menopause or pregnancy seem to trigger a migraine
  2. Drinks like wine and extremely caffeinated beverages
  3. Foods such as salty foods, aged cheese as well as processed foods can trigger the migraine attack.
  4. Medications - vasodilators such as nitroglycerine and oral contraceptives can intensify migraine pain.

How to treat a headache?

Fortunately, you can get rid of stress-induced headaches through over-the-counter treatments, which include:

How to treat a migraine?

If you experience migraine attacks less frequently, these medicines may give you quick relief:

Some preventive tips:

  • Make changes in your diet such as avoid such foods, including caffeine and alcohol which are believed to trigger headaches.
  • You can also try muscle relaxation exercises, yoga or meditation to ease the migraine attack.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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