In the U.S., migraines affect over 37 million people. However, many people live with this condition unknowingly, and it can have a debilitating effect on their lives. Understanding the difference between a simple headache and a migraine can be key in getting a diagnosis and finding the right treatment.
What is a Headache?
A headache is pain in the head, face, or neck characterized by constant pressure, throbbing, or sharp or dull aches. They can vary in intensity, location, and duration. Some headaches can be caused by lifestyle factors, like eating and sleeping habits, but others stem from underlying conditions such as sinus pressure, dehydration, or – in more severe cases – spinal or head injuries. Some of the most common types of headaches are:
Tension-type headaches
Tension-type headaches feel like a band of pressure around the head. They can be episodic, meaning they occur less than 15 days per month, or chronic, occurring more than 15 days per month. Usually, they stem from causes like neck or eye strain, jaw clenching, anxiety, or problems sleeping.
Cluster headaches
Typically, cluster headaches cause intense pain around the eye on one side of the head, which lasts between 15 minutes and 3 hours. They often occur daily (and sometimes multiple times a day) for weeks or months around the same time each day. These cluster “attacks” disappear for months or years before another one occurs.
Sinus headaches
Sinus headaches are caused by sinus congestion, which can stem from conditions like the common cold, allergies, or a viral or bacterial sinus infection. They usually cause a constant pressure behind the eyes, cheekbones, forehead, and nose, and subside once the infection has passed.
What is a Migraine?
Usually, migraines are debilitating and usually on one side of the head. They tend to last longer than regular headaches and come with a host of other symptoms such as nausea, ringing in the ears, and light flashes. Many people struggle to perform daily activities while experiencing a migraine attack and often have to find a dark quiet place until the migraine is resolved.
Additionally, migraines can have four distinct stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. Not everyone experiences all of these stages, but they can be key indicators to watch out for if you think you may experience migraines.
Prodrome
One or two days before a migraine, you may enter the prodrome phase, which causes symptoms like constipation, mood changes, food cravings, increased urination, or fatigue. It’s important to monitor these changes to help you better predict when a migraine may be forming.
Aura
Before or during a migraine, some people may experience an aura, where they see visual phenomena, like various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light. Auras can also include vision loss or sensory changes, like tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or one side of the body. These symptoms appear gradually and usually last anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.
Migraine Attack
Migraine pain appears in the attack phase, which can last anywhere from several hours to several days depending on if – and how quickly – you seek treatment. Migraines can occur as little as once or twice a year, or as much as multiple times a week. Usually, they are associated with the following symptoms:
- Pain located on one side of the head
- Intense throbbing or pulsing pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Auras
- Nausea and vomiting
Post-drome
For up to 24 hours after a migraine attack, you may feel like you have a “migraine hangover.” This stage is usually associated with symptoms like fatigue, mental fogginess, dehydration, or stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
The Big Difference
Overall, it can be difficult to determine whether you experience migraines or just simple headaches – especially if you don’t get them frequently. But if your pain is severe, debilitating, associated with other symptoms, and lasts for several hours or days, you are likely experience migraines.
Treatment
There has been great advancement in the treatment of migraines in recent years. From oral medicines that you can take near daily to prevent migraines and medications that are taken as needed, or injections of botulinum toxins (Botox) every three months.
Manage Your Migraine Pain With Us
At CNY Spine and Pain, our team of pain management specialists offers advanced treatments and procedures to help you feel relief. Request an appointment today to find the right solution to your migraine pain.