Headache vs Migraine

Headache vs Migraine: Are they the same thing?

By description headaches and migraine can be similar in symptomatology. By definition, the differences in symptoms felt or experienced will be noted.

According to the Mayo Clinic, headache is pain felt in any region of the head and may occur on one side or both, it can be isolated or pain may travel at a specific area, and may have a quality of pain described as strong and tight pressure. Migraine is a pain or sensation, described as throbbing or pulsing and usually on one side of the head and is accompanied with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. The pain is bad enough that it interferes with one’s activities of daily living.

There are many types of headaches. The most common types are Tension headache, Cluster headache, and Sinus headache. Tension headaches are pain that have been described that start at the back of the head and spread towards the top of the head. Cluster headaches are headaches that present itself just as its name suggests. They are painful headaches occurring in clusters and usually daily around the same time, though it can happen several times during the day. Sinus headaches are headaches starting at the sinuses, many times caused by a viral (or bacterial) illness making one congested due to the swelling in the nasal and sinus passages.

Types of migraines are migraines with or without aura, hemiplegic, menstrual, vestibular, and status migrainosus. These were discussed at an earlier post.

Though causes of either headache or migraine are similar, the intensity and severity of the pain differs along with symptoms that may or may not be associated with the pain. Treatment can vary as well depending on the symptoms and it could be as simple as rest, ice, and drinking water. There are over the counter medications available as well as prescription ones. It is best to contact your primary care physician or general practitioner for an evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options available for you.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/headache/basics/definition/sym-20050800

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201